Ketamine Hydrochloride

Generic Name: ketamine hydrochloride

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Ketamine Hydrochloride

11 DESCRIPTION Ketamine hydrochloride injection, USP for intravenous or intramuscular use, contains ketamine, a nonbarbiturate general anesthetic. Ketamine hydrochloride, USP is a white crystalline powder and has a molecular formula of C 13 H 16 ClNO•HCl and a molecular weight of 274.19. The chemical name for ketamine hydrochloride is dl -2-( o -Chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino) cyclohexanone hydrochloride.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Ketamine hydrochloride injection, USP for intravenous or intramuscular use, contains ketamine, a nonbarbiturate general anesthetic. Ketamine hydrochloride, USP is a white crystalline powder and has a molecular formula of C 13 H 16 ClNO•HCl and a molecular weight of 274.19. The chemical name for ketamine hydrochloride is dl -2-( o -Chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino) cyclohexanone hydrochloride.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ketamine hydrochloride injection is indicated: as the sole anesthetic agent for diagnostic and surgical procedures that do not require skeletal muscle relaxation. for the induction of anesthesia prior to the administration of other general anesthetic agents. as a supplement to other anesthetic agents. Ketamine hydrochloride is a general anesthetic indicated: as the sole anesthetic agent for diagnostic and surgical procedures that do not require skeletal muscle relaxation ( 1 ) for the induction of anesthesia prior to the administration of other general anesthetic agents ( 1 ) as a supplement to other anesthetic agents ( 1 ).

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION See Full Prescribing Information for important dosage and administration instructions. ( 2 ) Induction of anesthesia: -- Intravenous route : Initially, 1 to 4.5 mg/kg administered slowly (over a period of 60 seconds). Alternatively, administer a dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg at a rate of 0.5 mg/kg/min. ( 2.2 ) -- Intramuscular route : Initially, 6.5 to 13 mg/kg. ( 2.2 ) Maintenance of anesthesia: Increments of one-half to the full induction dose may be repeated as needed ( 2.2 ). Adjust the dose according to the patient's anesthetic needs and whether an additional anesthetic agent is employed.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hemodynamic Instability [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Emergence Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Pediatric Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Drug-Induced Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of ketamine hydrochloride were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Theophylline or Aminophylline: Do not co-administer with ketamine hydrochloride as concomitant use may lower the seizure threshold ( 7.1 ). Sympathomimetics and Vasopressin: Closely monitor vital signs when co-administered with ketamine hydrochloride. Consider dose adjustment individualized to the patient’s clinical situation ( 7.2 ). Benzodiazepines, Opioid Analgesics, or other CNS Depressants: Concomitant use may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, or death. Concomitant use of opioid analgesics may prolong recovery time. ( 7.3 ). 7.1 Theophylline or Aminophylline Concomitant administration of ketamine hydrochloride and theophylline or aminophylline may lower the seizure threshold.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hemodynamic Instability: Monitor vital signs and cardiac function during ketamine hydrochloride administration. ( 5.1 ) Emergence Reactions: Postoperative confusional states may occur during the recovery period. Reduce by minimizing verbal, tactile, and visual stimulation of the patient. ( 5.2 ) Risk of Respiratory Depression: May occur with overdosage or too rapid a rate of administration. Maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation. ( 5.3 ) Risks of Ketamine Hydrochloride alone for Procedures of the Pharynx, Larynx, or Bronchial Tree: Pharyngeal and laryngeal reflexes are not suppressed with ketamine hydrochloride when it is used alone. Avoid use as a sole anesthetic agent in surgery or diagnostic procedures of the pharynx, larynx, or bronchial tree. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Ketamine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients for whom a significant elevation of blood pressure would constitute a serious hazard [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Ketamine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ketamine or to any excipient [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] .

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data on the use of ketamine in pregnant women mostly describe its use at the time of cesarean section and have not identified a drug-associated risk of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. The data are limited by retrospective collection, small sample sizes, and a lack of long-term follow-up. There are no available data on ketamine use during other stages of pregnancy to allow for an evaluation of drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Ketamine hydrochloride injection, USP is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution supplied as the hydrochloride in concentrations equivalent to ketamine base, as follows: 200 mg/20 mL (10 mg/mL) 20 mL Multiple-Dose Vials packed in a carton of 10 NDC 55150-438-10 500 mg/10 mL (50 mg/mL) 10 mL Multiple-Dose Vials packed in a carton of 10 NDC 55...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ketamine Hydrochloride used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ketamine hydrochloride injection is indicated: as the sole anesthetic agent for diagnostic and surgical procedures that do not require skeletal muscle relaxation. for the induction of anesthesia prior to the administration of other general anesthetic agents. as a supplement to other anesthetic agents. Ketamine hydrochloride is a general anesthetic indicated: as the sole anesthetic agent for diagnostic and surgical procedures that do not require skeletal muscle relaxation ( 1 ) for the induction of anesthesia prior to the administration of other general anesthetic agents ( 1 ) as a supplement to other anesthetic agents ( 1 ).

What are the side effects of Ketamine Hydrochloride?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hemodynamic Instability [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Emergence Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Pediatric Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Drug-Induced Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of ketamine hydrochloride were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Can I take Ketamine Hydrochloride during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data on the use of ketamine in pregnant women mostly describe its use at the time of cesarean section and have not identified a drug-associated risk of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. The data are limited by retrospective collection, small sample sizes, and a lack of long-term follow-up. There are no available data on ketamine use during other stages of pregnancy to allow for an evaluation of drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage.

What are the important warnings for Ketamine Hydrochloride?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hemodynamic Instability: Monitor vital signs and cardiac function during ketamine hydrochloride administration. ( 5.1 ) Emergence Reactions: Postoperative confusional states may occur during the recovery period. Reduce by minimizing verbal, tactile, and visual stimulation of the patient. ( 5.2 ) Risk of Respiratory Depression: May occur with overdosage or too rapid a rate of administration. Maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation. ( 5.3 ) Risks of Ketamine Hydrochloride alone for Procedures of the Pharynx, Larynx, or Bronchial Tree: Pharyngeal and laryngeal reflexes are not suppressed with ketamine hydrochloride when it is used alone. Avoid use as a sole anesthetic agent in surgery or diagnostic procedures of the pharynx, larynx, or bronchial tree. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Ketamine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients for whom a significant elevation of blood pressure would constitute a serious hazard [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Ketamine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ketamine or to any excipient [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] .

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.