Home :: Drugs :: Ketamine Hydrochloride

Ketamine Hydrochloride - Learn about Ketamine Hydrochloride Side Effects and Precautions

Ketamine Hydrochloride Information

The pharmacology action of Ketamine Hydrochloride is that it produces rapid-acting anesthetic state with profound analgesia, normal pharyngeal-laryngeal reflexes, normal or slightly enhanced skeletal muscle tone, cardiovascular and respiratory stimulation, and, occasionally, transient and minimal respiratory depression. Ketamine is physically incompatible with diazepam and barbiturates

Ketamine Hydrochloride is used in diagnostic and surgical procedures that do not require skeletal muscle relaxation; induction of anesthesia; supplementation of low-potency agents, such as nitrous oxide.

Interaction and Contraindication of Ketamine Hydrochloride

Interaction of Ketamine Hydrochloride - Halothane:  Decreased cardiac output, BP, and pulse.
Tubocurarine and other nondepolarizing muscle relaxants:  Increased neuromuscular effects, resulting in prolonged respiratory depression

Contraindication of Ketamine Hydrochloride - Patients in whom significant BP elevation would be a serious hazard; hypersensitivity to the drug.

Side Effects o f Ketamine Hydrochloride

Here are the list of some common side effects ofKetamine Hydrochloride :

• Hypertension; tachycardia; hypotension; bradycardia; arrhythmia
• Increased ICP. Emergence reaction: Vivid imagery; hallucinations; delirium; confusion; excitement; irrational behavior.
• Transient erythema; morbilliform rash
• Diplopia; nystagmus; increased intraocular pressure
• Anorexia; nausea; vomiting; hypersalivation
• Respiratory stimulation; severe respiratory depression; apnea after rapid injection; laryngospasm; other airway obstruction

Precaution and Warning while taking Ketamine Hydrochloride

The precaution and warnings of Ketamine Hydrochloride drug is as follows:

• Advise patient that neurologic effects may persist for 24 hr after anesthesia. Advise patient to use caution during this period while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
• Emphasize importance of follow-up visits and serial audiograms, because ototoxicity may be asymptomatic.
• Instruct patient to report the following symptoms to health care provider: ringing in ears, hearing impairment, rash, difficulty urinating, or dizziness.

How to store Ketamine Hydrochloride

• Premedicate patient with anticholinergic agent before giving anesthetic to prevent salivation.
• Administer slowly over 60 sec to prevent respiratory depression, unless otherwise indicated.