About ketamine hcl
Dissociative anesthetic
Used for
- Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia
- Procedural sedation and pain control in monitored settings
Usual adult dose
Anesthesia: typically 1–4.5 mg/kg intravenously or 6.5–13 mg/kg intramuscularly; titrated by clinicians.
Usual dose in children
Anesthesia: typically 1–2 mg/kg intravenously or 4–5 mg/kg intramuscularly; clinicians individualize dosing.
Common side effects
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion, agitation, or vivid dreams
- Increased saliva and breathing secretions
Important warnings
- Use only with trained clinicians and airway-resuscitation equipment available.
- May cause respiratory depression, airway obstruction, or rarely apnea.
- Can raise blood pressure; avoid when a serious rise could be dangerous.
- Recovery may include hallucinations, agitation, or impaired coordination.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly necessary; human pregnancy safety data are limited.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding guidance depends on dose and procedure; seek advice from the treating clinician.
Interactions
- Opioids, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives can increase sedation and breathing risks.
- Theophylline or aminophylline may increase seizure risk.
- Thyroid hormones may intensify blood pressure and heart-rate effects.
- Neuromuscular blockers may prolong respiratory muscle paralysis.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.