Ketamine is indicated in the following conditions-

• Anesthesia: Induction of anesthesia before surgical procedures.
• Analgesia: Management of acute and chronic pain when other analgesic methods are inadequate.

Anesthesia

Typical Adult Ketamine Dosage for Anesthesia:

Intravenous Injection (IV):

• Induction: Administer 1 to 4.5 mg/kg IV. Alternatively, give 1 to 2 mg/kg IV at a rate of 0.5 mg/kg/min. A 2 mg/kg dose yields 5 to 10 minutes of surgical anesthesia within 30 seconds.
• Maintenance: Adjust the maintenance dose based on the patient's anesthetic requirements and the use of additional anesthetics. Repeat increments of one-half to the full induction dose as necessary for ongoing anesthesia.

Intramuscular Injection (IM):

• Induction: Administer 6.5 to 13 mg/kg IM. A 9 to 13 mg/kg IM dose provides 12 to 25 minutes of surgical anesthesia.
• Maintenance: Adjust the maintenance dose according to the patient's anesthetic needs and the use of additional anesthetics. Repeat increments of one-half to the full induction dose as necessary for ongoing anesthesia.

Common side effects of ketamine include-

• Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
• Elevated blood pressure.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Hallucinations.

Tachycardia

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hallucination

Nausea

• Psychiatric Effects:
  • Monitor patients for emergency reactions such as hallucinations, nightmares, and confusion.
  • Use with caution in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders.
• Respiratory Depression:
  • Monitor respiratory function, especially in patients with compromised respiratory status.
• Hypertension and Tachycardia:
  • Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease.
• Increased Intracranial Pressure:
  • Avoid in patients with known or suspected increased intracranial pressure.