Indications of Ketamine

Commonly referred to as “ketamine,” ketamine hydrochloride is a drug that has been authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a general anesthetic, either alone or in combination with other drugs.

Administration of Ketamine

Usually, ketamine is given intravenously or intramuscularly. 200 mg/20 mL (10 mg/mL), 500 mg/5 mL (100 mg/mL), and 500 mg/10 mL (50 mg/mL) are the strengths that are available. Ketamine must be diluted with an equivalent volume of sterile water, regular saline, or 5% dextrose.

Adult Dosage of Ketamine

The intended impact, the patient’s age, and any underlying medical issues all affect dosage. Exaggerated reactions may happen and longer recovery periods can be anticipated when using higher overall doses of ketamine, delivering it more quickly than usual, or combining ketamine with sedatives, barbiturates, or opioids. [20] [21] For patients 16 years of age and older, the recommended first intravenous (IV) dose of ketamine is between 1 and 4.5 mg/kg (0.5 to 2 mg/lb) given over 60 seconds. It usually takes an average dosage of 2 mg/kg (1 mg/lb) to produce anesthesia or dissociative effects that last for 5 to 10 minutes. The duration of action is between 5 to 15 minutes, with the beginning occurring within 10 to 30 seconds.