Ketamine

Anaesthetic · General anaesthetic

Indications

As anaesthesia for operation of short duration and in instrumental or painful diagnostic interventions. It is also used for induction of anaesthesia prior to the administration of IV anaesthesia to potentiate the action of inhalation anaesthetics of low potency e.g. N2O.

Dosage

Adults: Initial: IV: Range: 1.0-4.5 mg/kg; usual induction dosage: 1-2 mg/kg. The average dose producing anaesthesia of 5-10 min duration is 2.0 mg/kg, body weight. Adults: Initial: IM: 3-8 mg/kg, body weight. The 10 mg/kg, dose brings about anaesthesia of 12-25 min, duration. Children: IM: 3-7 mg/kg. IV: Range: 0.5-2 mg/kg, use smaller doses (0.5-1 mg/kg) for sedation for minor procedures; usual induction dosage: 1-2 mg/kg. Continuous IV infusion: Sedation: 5-20 mcg/kg/min; start at lower dosage listed & titrate to effect. Maintenance: Children & Adults: Supplemental doses of 1/3 to ½ of initial dose.

Administration

IV: Do not exceed 0.5 mg/kg/min or administer faster than 60 seconds; do not exceed final conc of 2 mg/mL; dilute for IV administration with NS, SWFI, or D5W.

Adverse Effects

Elevation of BP, tachycardia, hallucination, psychomotor agitation, mental confusion may occur during recovery.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Eclampsia, hypertension. Precautions: Should be administered slowly (over a period of longer than 60 seconds). Rapid administration or overdose may cause respiratory depression. Incompatible with soluble barbiturate.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: IV: Anaesthetic effect: Within 30 sec. IM: Anaesthetic effect: 3-4 mins; Analgesia: Within 10-15 mins. Intranasal: Analgesic effect: Within 10 mins; Sedation: Children 2-6 yrs: 5-8 mins. Oral: Analgesia: Within 30 mins; Sedation: Children 2-8 yrs: 4mg/kg/dose: 12.9 ± 1.9 mins. 6 mg/kg/dose: 10.4 ± 2.9 mins. 8 mg/kg/dose: 9.5 ± 1.9 mins. Duration: IV: Anaesthetic effect: 5-10 mins; Recovery: 1-2 hrs. IM: Anaesthetic effect: 12-25 mins; Analgesia: 15-30 mins; Recovery: 3-4 hrs. Intranasal: Analgesic effect: Up to 60 mins; Recovery: Children 2-6 yrs: 34-46 mins. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: IM: 93%. Oral: 20%-30%. Intranasal: Children, Adolescents, and Adults: Mean range: 35%-50%. Rectal: Children 2-9 yrs: 25%. Half-life elimination: Alpha: 10-15 mins; Beta: 2.5 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: IM: 5-30 mins. Intranasal: 10-14 mins; Children 2-9 yrs: Approx. 20 mins.…

Brands with this active ingredient

• Antamin
• Betamine
• Calypsol
• Katafast
• Ketacil
• Ketaflex
• Ketajin
• Ketalite
• Ketanaar
• Ketarol
• Ketasafe
• Ketasol
• Ketlar
• Ketnet
• Ketwim Inj

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.