MedPath

Ketamine

Generic Name
Ketamine
Brand Names
Ketalar
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C13H16ClNO
CAS Number
6740-88-1
Unique Ingredient Identifier
690G0D6V8H

Overview

Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist with a potent anesthetic effect. It was developed in 1963 as a replacement for phencyclidine (PCP) by Calvin Stevens at Parke Davis Laboratories. It started being used for veterinary purposes in Belgium and in 1964 was proven that compared to PCP, it produced minor hallucinogenic effects and shorter psychotomimetic effects. It was FDA approved in 1970, and from there, it has been used as an anesthetic for children or patients undergoing minor surgeries but mainly for veterinary purposes.

Background

Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist with a potent anesthetic effect. It was developed in 1963 as a replacement for phencyclidine (PCP) by Calvin Stevens at Parke Davis Laboratories. It started being used for veterinary purposes in Belgium and in 1964 was proven that compared to PCP, it produced minor hallucinogenic effects and shorter psychotomimetic effects. It was FDA approved in 1970, and from there, it has been used as an anesthetic for children or patients undergoing minor surgeries but mainly for veterinary purposes.

Indication

Ketamine is indicated as an anesthetic agent for recommended diagnostic and surgical procedures. If skeletal muscle relaxation is needed, it should be combined with a muscle relaxant. If the surgical procedure involves visceral pain, it should be supplemented with an agent that obtunds visceral pain. Ketamine can be used for induction of anesthesia prior other general anesthetic agents and as a supplement of low potency agents. Reports have indicated a potential use of ketamine as a therapeutic tool for the management of depression when administered in lower doses. These reports have increased the interest for ketamine in this area and several clinical trials are launched for this indication.

Associated Conditions

No associated conditions information available.

Clinical Trials

View More Clinical Trials

Sign in to access the complete clinical trial database with detailed study information.

FDA Drug Approvals

View More FDA Approvals

Sign in to access additional FDA-approved drug information with detailed regulatory data.

Approved Product
Manufacturer
NDC Code
Route
Strength
Effective Date
No FDA approvals found for this drug.

EMA Drug Approvals

View More EMA Approvals

Sign in to access additional EMA-approved drug information with detailed regulatory data.

Approved Product
Authorization Holder
Status
Issued Date
No EMA approvals found for this drug.

HSA Drug Approvals

View More HSA Approvals

Sign in to access additional HSA-approved drug information with detailed regulatory data.

Approved Product
Manufacturer
Approval Number
Dosage Form
Strength
Approval Date
No HSA approvals found for this drug.

NMPA Drug Approvals

View More NMPA Approvals

Sign in to access additional NMPA-approved drug information with detailed regulatory data.

Approved Product
Company
Approval Number
Drug Type
Dosage Form
Approval Date
No NMPA approvals found for this drug.

PPB Drug Approvals

View More PPB Approvals

Sign in to access additional PPB-approved drug information with detailed regulatory data.

Approved Product
Registration No.
Company
Licence No.
Strength
Registration Date
No PPB approvals found for this drug.

TGA Drug Approvals

View More TGA Approvals

Sign in to access additional TGA-approved drug information with detailed regulatory data.

Approved Product
ARTG ID
Sponsor
Registration Type
Status
Registration Date
No TGA approvals found for this drug.
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath