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Cardiovascular

Blood pressure and pulse rate are frequently elevated following administration of ketamine alone. However hypotension and bradycardia have been observed. Arrhythmia has also occurred.

Respiration

Although respiration is frequently stimulated, severe depression of respiration or apnea may occur following rapid intravenous administration of high doses of ketamine. Laryngospasms and other forms of airway obstruction have occurred during ketamine anesthesia.

Eye

Diplopia and nystagmus have been noted following ketamine administration. It also may cause a slight elevation in intraocular pressure meas- urement.

Psychological

(See Special Note)

Neurological

In some patients, enhanced skeletal muscle tone may be manifested by tonic and clonic movements sometimes resembling seizures (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Gastrointestinal

Anorexia, nausea and vomiting have been observed; however, this is not usually severe and allows the great majority of patients to take liquids by mouth shortly after regaining consciousness (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

General

Anaphylaxis. Local pain and exanthema at the injection site have infrequently been reported. Transient erythema and/or morbilliform rash have also been reported.

Drug Abuse And Dependence

Ketamine has been reported being used as a drug of abuse. Reports suggest that ketamine produces a variety of symptoms including, but not limited to, flashbacks, hallucinations, dysphoria, anxiety, insomnia, or disorientaion. Ketamine dependence and tolerance may develop in individuals with a history of drug abuse or dependence. Therefore, ketamine should be prescribed and administered with caution.

Prolonged recovery time may occur if barbiturates and/or narcotics are used concurrently with ketamine.

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

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/23/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.