Ketamine

• Class: NON-barbituate anesthetic - Sched III

• Action: Acts on the limbic system and cortex to block afferent transmission of impulses associated with pain perception. It produces short acting amnesia without muscular relaxation. A derivative of phencyclidine (PCP), antagonizes N-methyl-D-aspart (NMDA) receptors in the CNS, producing the dissociative analgesia and sedation

• Indications: RSI - painful procedures - behavioral emergencies

• Adverse Effects: Respiratory depression, apnea, hypotension, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, sedation, euphoria, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension, diaphoresis and syncope.

• Contraindications: Known sensitivity

• Special Considerations: Pregnancy Class B

Dosages:

Adults:

Behavioral Emergencies:

• 1mg/kg IV/IO or 4mg/kg IM or 5 mg/kg IN

Severe Pain control: Not adequately controlled with narcotics

• 0.5 - 1mg/kg IV

Pediatrics:

Severe pain: not adequately controlled with narcotics

• 0.5 - 1 mg/kg IV/IO