KETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE (HCL) 1 KG

Drug Summary What Is Ketamine Hydrochloride? Ketamine Hydrochloride, also known as Ketamine HCl, is an anesthetic medication used to induce general anesthesia and alleviate pain and discomfort during medical procedures, tests, or minor surgeries. It is available in generic form under various brand names, including Ketalar.

Side Effects of Ketamine Hydrochloride Common side effects of Ketamine Hydrochloride (Ketamine HCl) may include the following:

Dream-like feeling
Blurred vision
Double vision
Jerky muscle movements
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Sleep problems (insomnia)
It is important to inform your doctor if you experience any serious side effects within 24 hours of receiving Ketamine Hydrochloride, such as:

Severe confusion
Hallucinations
Unusual thoughts
Extreme fear
Dosage Guidelines for Ketamine Hydrochloride Ketamine Hydrochloride should be administered under the supervision of a physician. The initial intravenous (IV) dose of Ketamine ranges from 1 mg/kg to 4.5 mg/kg. On average, 2 mg/kg is sufficient to induce surgical anesthesia for a duration of five to ten minutes. The initial intramuscular (IM) dose ranges from 6.5 mg/kg to 13 mg/kg, with 10 mg/kg usually providing 12 to 25 minutes of surgical anesthesia.

Interactions with Other Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Ketamine Hydrochloride may interact with barbiturates or narcotics. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Ketamine Hydrochloride Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding The use of Ketamine Hydrochloride is not recommended during pregnancy. It is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Abruptly stopping Ketamine Hydrochloride may lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Additional Information For more comprehensive information on the potential side effects of Ketamine Hydrochloride, please refer to our Ketamine Hydrochloride (Ketamine HCl) Side Effects Drug Center.

Medication Guide Drug Description What is Ketamine Hydrochloride and How is it Used? Ketamine Hydrochloride is a prescription sedative used for diagnostic and surgical procedures. It may be used alone or in combination with other medications.

Ketamine Hydrochloride belongs to a class of drugs called General Anesthetics, Systemic.

The safety and effectiveness of Ketamine Hydrochloride in children under 16 years of age have not been established.

Possible Side Effects of Ketamine Hydrochloride Ketamine Hydrochloride may cause serious side effects, including:

Severe confusion
Hallucinations
Unusual thoughts
Extreme fear
Painful or difficult urination
Increased urination
Loss of bladder control
Blood in the urine
Lightheadedness
Slow heart rate
Weak or shallow breathing
Jerky movements resembling convulsions
Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any of the above symptoms.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Approximately 12 percent of patients may experience emergence reactions.

These psychological manifestations can range in severity from pleasant dream-like states and vivid imagery to hallucinations and emergence delirium. In some cases, patients may also exhibit confusion, excitement, and irrational behavior, which they may recall as an unpleasant experience. Typically, these states last for a few hours, but in rare cases, recurrences have been reported up to 24 hours after surgery. There are no known long-term psychological effects resulting from the use of Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection.

The incidence of these emergence phenomena is lower in elderly patients (over 65 years of age) and decreases with intramuscular administration. Additionally, as healthcare professionals gain more experience with the drug, the incidence of these reactions tends to reduce.

To reduce the incidence of psychological manifestations during emergence, particularly dream-like observations and emergence delirium, it is recommended to use lower dosages of Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection in combination with intravenous diazepam during anesthesia induction and maintenance (refer to the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section). Furthermore, minimizing verbal, tactile, and visual stimulation during the recovery period may help decrease these reactions. However, vital signs should still be monitored.

In severe cases of emergence reactions, a small hypnotic dose of a short-acting or ultra short-acting barbiturate may be necessary for termination.

When Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection is used on an outpatient basis, patients should not be discharged until they have fully recovered from anesthesia. Additionally, they should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Ketamine hydrochloride is an anesthetic that does not belong to the barbiturate class. Its chemical name is dl 2-(0-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)cyclohexanone hydrochloride. The medication is available as a sterile solution for intravenous or intramuscular injection. The solution has a slightly acidic pH range of 3.5-5.5. It is provided in different concentrations, containing either 10, 50, or 100 mg of ketamine base per milliliter. To ensure sterility, the solution contains a preservative called Phemerolª (benzethonium chloride) at a concentration of no more than 0.1 mg/mL. The 10 mg/mL solution is made isotonic by the addition of sodium chloride.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Note: Ketamine hydrochloride and barbiturates are chemically incompatible and should not be injected from the same syringe to avoid precipitate formation.

If diazepam is used to augment the ketamine hydrochloride dose, the two drugs must be administered separately. Do not mix ketamine hydrochloride and diazepam in the same syringe or infusion flask. Refer to the WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections of the diazepam insert for more information on its use.

Preoperative Preparations

Although vomiting has been reported following ketamine hydrochloride administration, the medication may provide some protection due to active laryngeal-pharyngeal reflexes. However, as ketamine hydrochloride can cause aspiration and other anesthetics and muscle relaxants may decrease protective reflexes, the possibility of aspiration should be considered. Ketamine hydrochloride is recommended for use in patients whose stomachs are not empty when, according to the healthcare provider’s judgment, the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Atropine, scopolamine, or another drying agent should be given at an appropriate interval prior to induction.

Onset And Duration

Since ketamine hydrochloride induces anesthesia rapidly after the initial intravenous injection, the patient should be in a supported position during administration.

The onset of action is rapid, with a typical intravenous dose of 2 mg/kg (1 mg/lb) of body weight usually producing surgical anesthesia within 30 seconds after injection. The anesthetic effect typically lasts five to ten minutes. Additional increments can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly to maintain anesthesia without significant cumulative effects if a longer effect is desired.

Intramuscular doses of 9 to 13 mg/kg (4 to 6 mg/lb) generally result in surgical anesthesia within 3 to 4 minutes after injection, with the anesthetic effect usually lasting 12 to 25 minutes.

Dosage

Due to individual variations in response based on factors such as the dose, route of administration, and patient’s age, the dosage of ketamine hydrochloride cannot be fixed with absolute certainty. The drug should be titrated based on the patient’s needs.

Induction

Intravenous Route

The initial intravenous dose of ketamine hydrochloride may range from 1 mg/kg to 4.5 mg/kg (0.5 to 2 mg/lb). The average amount needed to produce five to ten minutes of surgical anesthesia is usually 2 mg/kg (1 mg/lb).

Alternatively, in adult patients, an induction dose of 1 mg to 2 mg/kg of intravenous ketamine at a rate of 0.5 mg/kg/min can be used for anesthesia induction. Additionally, diazepam in doses of 2 mg to 5 mg, administered separately over 60 seconds, may be used. In most cases, a total of 15 mg or less of intravenous diazepam is sufficient. This induction dosage program may reduce the incidence of psychological manifestations during emergence, such as dream-like observations and emergence delirium.

Note: The 100 mg/mL concentration of ketamine hydrochloride should not be injected intravenously without proper dilution. It is recommended to dilute the drug with an equal volume of either Sterile Water for Injection, USP, Normal Saline, or 5% Dextrose in Water.

Rate of Administration

Ketamine hydrochloride should be administered slowly over a period of 60 seconds to reduce the risk of respiratory depression and enhanced pressor response.

Intramuscular Route

The initial intramuscular dose of ketamine hydrochloride may range from 6.5 to 13 mg/kg (3 to 6 mg/lb). A dose of 10 mg/kg (5 mg/lb) typically provides 12 to 25 minutes of surgical anesthesia.

Maintenance Of Anesthesia

The maintenance dose should be adjusted based on the patient’s anesthetic needs and whether additional anesthetic agents are used.

Increments of one-half to the full induction dose may be repeated as needed to maintain anesthesia. It’s important to note that purposeless and tonic-clonic movements of extremities may occur during anesthesia, but they do not indicate a light plane or the need for additional doses of the anesthetic.

The larger the total dose of ketamine hydrochloride administered, the longer the time to complete recovery.

Adult patients induced with ketamine hydrochloride augmented with intravenous diazepam may be maintained on ketamine hydrochloride using a slow microdrip infusion technique at a dose of 0.1 to 0.5 mg/minute, with diazepam 2 to 5 mg administered intravenously as needed. In many cases, a total of 20 mg or less of intravenous diazepam for combined induction and maintenance is sufficient. However, slightly higher doses of diazepam may be required based on the nature and duration of the operation, the patient’s physical condition, and other factors. This maintenance dosage program may reduce the incidence of psychological manifestations during emergence.

Dilution

To prepare a dilute solution containing 1 mg of ketamine per mL, transfer 10 mL from a 50 mg per mL vial or 5 mL from a 100 mg per mL vial to 500 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or Sodium Chloride (0.9%) Injection, USP (Normal Saline), and mix well. The resulting solution will contain 1 mg of ketamine per mL.

When selecting the appropriate dilution of ketamine hydrochloride injection, consider the patient’s fluid requirements and the duration of anesthesia. If fluid restriction is necessary, ketamine hydrochloride injection can be added to a 250 mL infusion as described above to achieve a ketamine hydrochloride concentration of 2 mg/mL. Diluting ketamine hydrochloride injection 10 mg/mL vials is not recommended.

Supplementary Agents

Ketamine hydrochloride is compatible with commonly used general and local anesthetic agents when adequate respiratory exchange is maintained.

The regimen of a reduced dose of ketamine hydrochloride supplemented with diazepam can be used to achieve balanced anesthesia in combination with other agents such as nitrous oxide and oxygen.

HOW SUPPLIED

Ketamine hydrochloride injection is available as the hydrochloride in concentrations equivalent to ketamine base.

NDC 42023-137-10 – Each 20-mL multi-dose vial contains 10 mg/mL. Supplied in cartons of 10. NDC 42023-138-10 – Each 10-mL multi-dose vial contains 50 mg/mL. Supplied in cartons of 10. NDC 42023-139-10 – Each 5-mL multi-dose vial contains 100 mg/mL. Supplied in cartons of 10.

Store between 20¬ to 25¬C (68¬ to 77¬F). (See USP controlled room temperature.)

Protect from light.

Cardiovascular: Administration of ketamine hydrochloride may result in elevated blood pressure and pulse rate. However, instances of hypotension and bradycardia have also been observed. Arrhythmia is a potential occurrence.

Respiration: While respiration is often stimulated, there is a risk of severe respiratory depression or apnea following rapid intravenous administration of high doses of ketamine hydrochloride. Airway obstruction, including laryngospasms, has been reported during ketamine hydrochloride anesthesia.

Eye: Ketamine hydrochloride administration may lead to diplopia (double vision) and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements). There is a possibility of a slight increase in intraocular pressure.

Genitourinary: Individuals with a history of chronic ketamine use or abuse may experience severe irritative and inflammatory symptoms in the urinary tract and bladder, including cystitis.

Psychological: (Refer to Special Note)

Neurological: Some patients may exhibit enhanced skeletal muscle tone, characterized by tonic and clonic movements resembling seizures (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section).

Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting have been observed, although these symptoms are usually not severe and most patients can tolerate oral liquids shortly after regaining consciousness (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section).

General: Infrequent reports include anaphylaxis, local pain, and exanthema (skin rash) at the injection site. Transient erythema (skin redness) and/or morbilliform rash (measles-like rash) have also been reported.

For medical advice regarding adverse reactions, consult a healthcare professional. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact JHP at 1-866-923-2547 or MEDWATCH at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or visit */medwatch/.

Drug Abuse And Dependence Ketamine has been reported as a substance of abuse.

Reports suggest that ketamine abuse can result in various symptoms, including anxiety, dysphoria, disorientation, insomnia, flashbacks, hallucinations, and psychotic episodes.

Dependence and tolerance to ketamine are possible with prolonged use. Discontinuation of long-term ketamine administration may lead to a withdrawal syndrome with psychotic features. Therefore, caution should be exercised when prescribing and administering ketamine.

DRUG INTERACTIONS Concurrent use of barbiturates and/or narcotics with ketamine hydrochloride may prolong the recovery time.

Ketamine hydrochloride is clinically compatible with commonly used general and local anesthetic agents, provided that adequate respiratory exchange is maintained.

WARNINGS

Continuous monitoring of cardiac function is essential during the procedure for patients with hypertension or cardiac decompensation.

Postoperative confessional states may occur during the recovery period. (Refer to Special Note)

Respiratory depression may arise due to overdosage or excessively rapid administration of ketamine hydrochloride. In such cases, supportive ventilation should be employed. Mechanical respiration support is preferred over the use of analeptics.

PRECAUTIONS

General:

Ketamine hydrochloride injection should only be used by or under the supervision of physicians experienced in administering general anesthetics and skilled in airway maintenance and respiratory control.

When used alone, ketamine hydrochloride should not be employed in surgical or diagnostic procedures involving the pharynx, larynx, or bronchial tree, as the pharyngeal and laryngeal reflexes are typically active. Mechanical stimulation of the pharynx should be minimized whenever possible. Muscle relaxants may be necessary in these cases, while ensuring proper respiratory function.

Readiness of resuscitative equipment is essential.

To reduce the incidence of emergence reactions, minimize verbal and tactile stimulation of the patient during the recovery period. However, vital signs should still be monitored. (Refer to Special Note)

Intravenous administration should be performed over a 60-second period. Rapid administration may lead to respiratory depression, apnea, and an exaggerated pressor response.

When performing surgical procedures involving visceral pain pathways, ketamine hydrochloride should be supplemented with an agent that alleviates visceral pain.

Exercise caution when administering to chronic alcoholics and acutely alcohol-intoxicated patients.

Administration of ketamine hydrochloride has been associated with increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Extreme caution is advised when using the drug in patients with preexisting elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure.

Usage in Pregnancy:

The safe use of ketamine hydrochloride in pregnancy, including during obstetric procedures (vaginal or abdominal delivery), has not been established. Therefore, its use is not recommended. (See Animal Pharmacology And Toxicology, Reproduction)

Geriatric Use:

Clinical studies of ketamine hydrochloride did not include an adequate number of subjects aged 65 and older to determine if they respond differently compared to younger subjects. However, reported clinical experience does not suggest any notable differences in responses between elderly and younger patients. Caution should be exercised when dosing elderly patients, usually starting at the lower end of the dosage range, taking into consideration the higher likelihood of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases or other drug therapies.

Pediatric Use:

The safety and effectiveness of ketamine hydrochloride in pediatric patients below the age of 16 have not been established.

OVERDOSE

In cases of overdosage or excessively rapid administration of ketamine hydrochloride, respiratory depression may occur. In such situations, it is recommended to provide supportive ventilation to assist breathing. Mechanical respiration support is preferred over the use of analeptics.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Ketamine hydrochloride should not be used in individuals for whom a significant increase in blood pressure would pose a serious risk. It is also contraindicated in those who have demonstrated hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the drug.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Ketamine hydrochloride is a fast-acting general anesthetic that induces a state of anesthesia characterized by profound pain relief, normal reflexes in the pharynx and larynx, slightly enhanced muscle tone, stimulation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and occasional transient and minimal respiratory depression.

The maintenance of a clear airway is partially attributed to the intact pharyngeal and laryngeal reflexes (refer to WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections).

The biotransformation of ketamine hydrochloride involves various metabolic processes, including N-dealkylation (metabolite I), hydroxylation of the cyclohexone ring (metabolites III and IV), conjugation with glucuronic acid, and dehydration of hydroxylated metabolites to form the cyclohexene derivative (metabolite II).

After intravenous administration, the concentration of ketamine exhibits an initial phase (alpha phase) lasting approximately 45 minutes with a half-life of 10 to 15 minutes. This initial phase corresponds to the anesthetic effect of the drug. The anesthetic action is terminated through redistribution from the central nervous system (CNS) to slower equilibrating peripheral tissues and hepatic biotransformation into metabolite I. Metabolite I is about one-third as potent as ketamine in reducing halothane requirements (MAC) in rats. The later half-life of ketamine (beta phase) is 2.5 hours.

The anesthetic state induced by ketamine hydrochloride is referred to as “dissociative anesthesia” as it selectively interrupts association pathways in the brain before causing somatosensory sensory blockade. It may selectively depress the thalamoneocortical system before significantly affecting the more primitive cerebral centers and pathways (reticular-activating and limbic systems).

Following injection, there is a rapid elevation in blood pressure, peaking within a few minutes, and typically returning to preanesthetic levels within 15 minutes. In most cases, systolic and diastolic blood pressure increase by 10% to 50% above preanesthetic levels shortly after anesthesia induction, although individual cases may experience higher or longer-lasting elevations (see CONTRAINDICATIONS section).

Ketamine has a wide safety margin, and cases of unintentional administration of overdoses (up to ten times the usual dose) have been followed by prolonged but complete recovery.

Ketamine hydrochloride has been extensively studied in over 12,000 surgical and diagnostic procedures involving more than 10,000 patients across 105 separate studies. It has been administered as the sole agent, for induction alongside other general anesthetics, or as a supplement to low-potency agents.

Specific areas of application include:

Burn patients for debridement, painful dressings, skin grafting, and other superficial surgical procedures.
Neurodiagnostic procedures such as pneumonencephalograms, ventriculograms, myelograms, and lumbar punctures. Caution is advised in cases of increased intracranial pressure.
Diagnostic and operative procedures of the eye, ear, nose, and mouth, including dental extractions.
Diagnostic and operative procedures of the pharynx, larynx, or bronchial tree. Note: Muscle relaxants may be required with attention to respiration (see PRECAUTIONS section).
Sigmoidoscopy, minor surgery of the anus and rectum, and circumcision.
Gynecological extraperitoneal procedures such as dilatation and curettage.
Orthopedic procedures such as closed reductions, manipulations, femoral pinning, amputations, and biopsies.
Administration to high-risk patients with compromised vital functions.
Procedures where the intramuscular route of administration is preferred.
Cardiac catheterization procedures.
In these studies, anesthesia was rated as “excellent” or “good” by both anesthesiologists and surgeons in 90% and 93% of cases, respectively. It was rated as “fair” in 6% and 4% of cases, and as “poor” in 4% and 3% of cases, respectively. In an alternate evaluation method, anesthesia was deemed “adequate” in at least 90% of procedures and “inadequate” in 10% or fewer cases.

Animal Pharmacology And Toxicology

Toxicity The acute toxicity of ketamine hydrochloride has been extensively studied in various species. In mature mice and rats, the intraperitoneal LD50 values are approximately 100 times higher than the average human intravenous dose and approximately 20 times higher than the average human intramuscular dose. Although slightly higher acute toxicity was observed in neonatal rats, it was not significant enough to suggest an increased risk when used in pediatric patients. Daily intravenous injections in rats at five times the average human intravenous dose and intramuscular injections in dogs at four times the average human intramuscular dose showed excellent tolerance for up to 6 weeks. Similarly, monkeys undergoing two weekly anesthesia sessions lasting one, three, or six hours each over a four- to six-week period exhibited good tolerance.

Interaction with Other Drugs Commonly Used for Preanesthetic Medication Administration of large doses (three or more times the equivalent effective human dose) of morphine, meperidine, and atropine increased the depth and prolonged the duration of anesthesia induced by a standard anesthetizing dose of ketamine hydrochloride in Rhesus monkeys. However, the prolonged duration was not significant enough to contraindicate the use of these drugs for preanesthetic medication in human clinical trials.

Blood Pressure The response of blood pressure to ketamine hydrochloride varies among different laboratory species and experimental conditions. Normotensive and renal hypertensive rats, both with and without adrenalectomy and under pentobarbital anesthesia, exhibited an increase in blood pressure.

Intravenous administration of ketamine hydrochloride led to a decrease in arterial blood pressure in Rhesus monkeys, while it caused an increase in arterial blood pressure in dogs, mirroring the cardiovascular effect observed in humans. In dogs, the pressor response to ketamine hydrochloride injected into intact, unanesthetized animals is accompanied by tachycardia, an increase in cardiac output, and a decrease in total peripheral resistance. When injected into an artificially perfused vascular bed (dog hindquarters) at a large dose, it results in a decrease in perfusion pressure. Ketamine hydrochloride has minimal potentiating effects on vasoconstriction responses to epinephrine or norepinephrine. The pressor response to ketamine hydrochloride is diminished or blocked by chlorpromazine (a central depressant and peripheral α-adrenergic blocker), β-adrenergic blockade, and ganglionic blockade. The tachycardia and increase in myocardial contractile force observed in intact animals do not occur in isolated hearts (Langendorff) at a concentration of 0.1 mg of ketamine hydrochloride or in Starling dog heart-lung preparations at a concentration of 50 mg/kg of HLP. These findings support the hypothesis that the hypertension induced by ketamine hydrochloride results from selective activation of central cardiac stimulating mechanisms, leading to an increase in cardiac output. The dog myocardium does not exhibit heightened sensitivity to epinephrine, and ketamine hydrochloride appears to have weak antiarrhythmic activity.

Metabolic Disposition

After parenteral administration, ketamine hydrochloride is rapidly absorbed. Animal studies have shown that it is swiftly distributed into various body tissues, with higher concentrations found in body fat, liver, lung, and brain. Lower concentrations are present in the heart, skeletal muscle, and blood plasma. Placental transfer of the drug has been observed in pregnant dogs and monkeys. Ketamine hydrochloride does not significantly bind to serum albumin.

Balance studies conducted in rats, dogs, monkeys, and human subjects have revealed that 85% to 95% of the administered dose is recovered in urine, primarily in the form of degradation products. Small amounts of the drug are also excreted in bile and feces. In human subjects given tritium-labeled ketamine hydrochloride intravenously, approximately 91% of the dose is recovered in urine and 3% in feces. Peak plasma levels average around 0.75 μg/mL, with CSF levels at approximately 0.2 μg/mL one hour after dosing.

Ketamine hydrochloride undergoes N-demethylation and hydroxylation of the cyclohexanone ring, leading to the formation of water-soluble conjugates that are excreted in urine. Further oxidation occurs, resulting in the formation of a cyclohexanone derivative. The unconjugated N-demethylated metabolite is found to be less potent than ketamine hydrochloride, accounting for less than one-sixth of its potency. Similarly, the unconjugated demethyl cyclohexanone derivative is less potent, amounting to less than one-tenth of ketamine hydrochloride’s potency. Repeated doses of ketamine hydrochloride in animals do not produce any noticeable increase in microsomal enzyme activity.

Reproduction

When male and female rats were given five times the average human intravenous dose of ketamine hydrochloride for three consecutive days one week before mating, their reproductive performance was comparable to saline-injected controls. Pregnant rats and rabbits, administered twice the average human intramuscular dose of ketamine hydrochloride during the respective periods of organogenesis, showed no significant differences in litter characteristics compared to saline-injected controls. In a small group of rabbits, a single large dose (six times the average human dose) of ketamine hydrochloride was administered on Day 6 of pregnancy to simulate the effect of an excessive clinical dose around the time of nidation. The pregnancy outcomes were similar in the control and treated groups.

To assess the impact of ketamine hydrochloride on the perinatal and postnatal period, pregnant rats were given twice the average human intramuscular dose during Days 18 to 21 of pregnancy. The litter characteristics at birth and during the weaning period were equivalent to those of the control animals. However, a slight increase in the incidence of delayed parturition by one day was observed in the treated dams of this group. In three groups of mated beagle bitches, given 2.5 times the average human intramuscular dose twice weekly during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively, no adverse effects were noted in the pups.

PATIENT INFORMATION

When receiving ketamine hydrochloride and other medications during anesthesia, it is important to consider the duration of their effects, particularly in cases where early discharge is possible. Patients should be informed that they should refrain from driving a vehicle, operating hazardous machinery, or engaging in any hazardous activities for at least 24 hours or longer (depending on the dosage of ketamine hydrochloride and other medications used) following anesthesia. This precaution is necessary to ensure their safety and well-being.

Ketamine hydrochloride (HCl) is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as dissociative anesthetics. It is primarily used as an anesthetic agent in medical settings. Ketamine can induce a trance-like state while providing pain relief, sedation, and amnesia.

Here is a description of ketamine HCl and its usage:

Anesthesia: Ketamine is commonly used as an anesthetic during surgical procedures, particularly in emergency and pediatric settings. It can induce a dissociative state, meaning it creates a sense of detachment from one’s surroundings, while maintaining pain relief and preserving respiratory function.
Analgesia: Ketamine can be used for pain management, especially in situations where opioid analgesics may not be suitable or effective. It can be used in emergency departments, chronic pain management, and in cases of acute pain, such as trauma or burn injuries.
Depression: Ketamine has shown promising results in the treatment of severe depression that is resistant to other forms of treatment. It is administered in controlled settings, often in the form of intravenous (IV) infusions, and can provide rapid relief of depressive symptoms.
Off-label use: Ketamine is sometimes used off-label for other psychiatric conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder. However, more research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety for these conditions.
Ketamine is available in various forms and may be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or as a nasal spray, depending on the specific medical situation.

Ketarol
Ketamine HCL
Ketasol
Ketadex
There are no widely recognized brand names for ketamine HCl used for medical purposes since it is typically administered as a generic medication. However, it’s worth noting that ketamine is also used illicitly as a recreational drug under various street names, such as “Special K” or “Ket.”

It is crucial to understand that ketamine should only be used under the supervision and prescription of a qualified healthcare professional in appropriate medical settings.