Ketamine (Ketalar)

Anesthesia (NMDA Antagonist)

Dosing & Administration

Adult Dose

RSI: 1-2 mg/kg IV. Sedation: 0.5-1 mg/kg IV. Pain: 0.1-0.3 mg/kg IV.

Pediatric Dose

Sedation: 1-2 mg/kg IV or 4-5 mg/kg IM.

Renal Adjustment

No adjustment necessary.

Hepatic Adjustment

Consider dose reduction in severe impairment.

Safety & Special Populations

Pregnancy Category

Not formally assigned (avoid in early pregnancy).

Lactation Safety

Unknown.

Contraindications & Adverse Effects

Contraindications

  • Conditions where elevated blood pressure would be hazardous (e.g., aortic dissection)

Common Adverse Effects

  • Emergence reactions (hallucinations/delirium)
  • Tachycardia
  • Hypertension
  • Increased salivation