Ketamine

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Ketamine

Ketamine (pronounced: keh-tuh-meen) is a medication primarily used for starting and maintaining anesthesia. It induces a trance-like state while providing pain relief, sedation, and memory loss. Other uses include for chronic pain, and in intensive care.

Etymology

The term "Ketamine" is derived from the chemical name 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)cyclohexanone. It was first synthesized in the 1960s by Calvin Stevens, a chemist at Parke Davis, and was first given FDA approval in 1970.

Pharmacology

Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, but also binds to the opioid receptors and sigma receptors. This leads to analgesia, anesthesia, and altered perception.

Medical Uses

Ketamine is used as a anesthetic in human and veterinary medicine. It is especially useful in unstable patients and in the field due to its ability to induce anesthesia while maintaining breathing and circulation. It is also used for pain management.

Side Effects

Common side effects include psychological reactions as the medication wears off. These reactions may include agitation, confusion, or psychosis. Elevated blood pressure and muscle tremors are relatively common. Liver and kidney injury have been reported with long-term use.

Related Terms

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