Ketamine Hydrochloride (Ketamine HCl) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Ketamine Hydrochloride

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Ketamine Hydrochloride Drug Center

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

Prescribing Information

For Patients

Ketamine Hydrochloride in Detail with Side Effects

Ketamine hydrochloride (ketamine hcl) injection (Brand Names: Ketalar) is used as a general anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort during medical tests or procedures, or minor surgery. It is an anesthetic. This medication is available in generic form. Common side effects include dream-like feeling, double vision, jerky muscle movements, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or sleep problems (insomnia).

This medication is administered under a physician's supervision. The initial dose of ketamine administered intravenously (IV) ranges from 1 mg/kg to 4.5 mg/kg. The average amount required to produce five to ten minutes of surgical anesthesia is 2 mg/kg. The initial dose of ketamine administered intramuscularly (IM) ranges from 6.5 to 13 mg/kg. A dose of 10 mg/kg usually produces 12 to 25 minutes of surgical anesthesia. Ketamine hydrochloride may interact with barbiturates or narcotics. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Ketamine hydrochloride is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. You may have withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking Ketamine hydrochloride.

Our Ketamine hydrochloride Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Ketamine Hydrochloride Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

Ketamine hydrochloride structural formula illustration

Ketamine hydrochloride (ketamine hcl) injection is indicated as the sole anesthetic agent for diagnostic and surgical procedures that do not require skeletal muscle relaxation. Ketamine hydrochloride (ketamine hcl) injection is best suited for short procedures but it can be used, with additional doses, for longer procedures.

Ketamine hydrochloride (ketamine hcl) injection is indicated for the induction of anesthesia prior to the administration of other general anesthetic agents.

Ketamine hydrochloride (ketamine hcl) injection is indicated to supplement lo...

Read the complete drug monograph for Ketamine Hydrochloride »

What is Ketamine Hydrochloride Prescribing Information?

Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Ketamine Hydrochloride Patient Information: Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects within 24 hours after you receive ketamine:

severe confusion;
hallucinations;
unusual thoughts; or
extreme fear.

Less serious side effects may include:

dream-like feeling;
double vision;
jerky muscle movements;
dizziness, drowsiness...

Read the complete patient information for Ketamine Hydrochloride »

What is Ketamine Hydrochloride Patient Information?

Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.