ketamine

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Pronunciation: KET a meen

Brand: Ketalar

What is the most important information I should know about ketamine?

You should not receive ketamine if you have untreated or uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure).

Do not receive this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have serious side effects within 24 hours after you receive ketamine, including severe confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts, or extreme fear.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is an anesthetic medication.

Ketamine is used to put you to sleep for surgery and to prevent pain and discomfort during certain medical tests or procedures.

Ketamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving ketamine?

You should not receive ketamine if you are allergic to it, or if you have untreated or uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure).

You should not receive ketamine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

To make sure ketamine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • heart disease;
  • high blood pressure;
  • a history of alcoholism; or
  • if you recently drank large amounts of alcohol.

Ketamine may be harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive ketamine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Anesthesia medicine may affect brain development in a child under 3, or an unborn baby whose mother receives this medicine during late pregnancy. These effects may be more likely when the anesthesia is used for 3 hours or longer, or used for repeated procedures. Effects on brain development could cause learning or behavior problems later in life.

Negative brain effects from anesthesia have been seen in animal studies. However, studies in human children receiving single short uses of anesthesia have not shown a likely effect on behavior or learning. More research is needed.

In some cases, your doctor may decide to postpone a surgery or procedure based on these risks. Treatment may not be delayed in the case of life-threatening conditions, medical emergencies, or surgery needed to correct certain birth defects.

Ask your doctor for information about all medicines that will be used during your surgery or procedure. Also ask how long the procedure will last.

It is not known whether ketamine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is ketamine given?

Ketamine is injected into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Your breathing, blood pressure, heart function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving ketamine.

You may feel strange or slightly confused when you first come out of anesthesia. Tell your caregivers if these feelings are severe or unpleasant.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since ketamine is usually given for anesthesia, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur. Your vital signs will be closely watched while you are under anesthesia to make sure the medication is not causing any harmful effects.

What should I avoid after receiving ketamine?

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. You will probably not be allowed to drive yourself home after your surgery or medical procedure. Avoid driving or operating machinery for at least 24 hours after you have received ketamine.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you recover from anesthesia.

What are the possible side effects of ketamine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult 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.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing;
  • pain or burning when you urinate; or
  • jerky muscle movements that may look like convulsions.

Common side effects may include:

  • dream-like feeling;
  • blurred vision, double vision;
  • mild dizziness, drowsiness;
  • nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or
  • sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ketamine?

If you are using any drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing, it may take you longer to recover from anesthesia with ketamine. This includes a sedative or sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with ketamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about ketamine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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