Ketamine

Ketamine is a type of total anesthetic (general anesthesia). This medicine is given to eliminate the consciousness of a patient who is about to undergo a medical procedure, such as surgery.

Ketamine works by interfering with signals in the brain that contribute to consciousness and pain. This drug should only be used in a hospital and during its use will be fully supervised by a doctor.

This is because the use of ketamine has the risk of causing dangerous side effects, such as increased blood pressure, respiratory problems and visual disturbances.

Ketamine trademarks:  Ivanes, Ketalar, KTM, Venilam

What is Ketamine

Warning Before Using Ketamine

There are several things that need to be considered before using ketamine, including:

• Do not use ketamine if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have or currently have hypertension, glaucoma , eyeball injury, porphyria , thyroid disease, lung or respiratory disease, coronary heart disease, tachycardia , or increased pressure in the brain ( intracranial pressure ).
• Tell your doctor if you have a habit of consuming alcohol or have an addiction to alcohol .
• Do not drive a vehicle or do any activity that requires alertness for at least 24 hours after taking ketamine, because this drug can cause dizziness and  drowsiness.
• Immediately consult a doctor if after using ketamine you experience behavioral disturbances, such as confusion, overexcitement, or hallucinations, for more than 24 hours.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using ketamine.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Ketamine

Ketamine will be given by injection through a vein (intravenous/IV) or into a muscle (intramuscular/IM) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. This drug is used as a general anesthetic in patients who are about to undergo a surgical procedure.

The following are ketamine doses divided by age:

• Adults and children ≥16 years
  Initial dose 1–4.5 mg/kg by IV injection, or 6.5–13 mg/kg by IM injection. A maintenance dose of 0.1-0.5 mg/min is given by infusion.

• Children ≥3 months
  4–5 mg/kg by IM injection, or 1.5–2 mg/kg by IV injection.

How to Use Ketamine Properly

Ketamine will be given directly by  a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be injected into a vein (intravenous/IV) or into a muscle (intramuscular/IM) according to the doctor's instructions.

This medicine can only be used in a hospital. During the injection of ketamine, the doctor will carry out close monitoring by monitoring breathing, blood pressure or heart rate.

Interactions of Ketamine with Other Drugs

Inter-drug interaction effects that can occur if ketamine is used together with other drugs are:

• Delayed recovery time when used with barbiturate drugs , such as phenobarbital
• Increased risk of bradycardia and hypotension when used with anesthetic gases, such as halothane
• Increased risk of developing central nervous system and respiratory disorders when used with sedatives, such as diazepam or clonazepam
• Increased risk of developing hypertension when used with thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine
• Increased risk of developing hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs
• Increased risk of seizures when used with theophylline
• Decreased sedative effect of thiopental
• Enhanced neuromuscular blocking or muscle relaxant effects of atracurium and tubocurarine

Side Effects and Dangers of Ketamine

Some of the side effects that may arise after using ketamine are:

• Nauseous
• Vomit
• Dizzy
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Feels like I'm dreaming
• Decreased appetite
• Insomnia

Tell your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Frequent urination, painful urination, or bloody urine
• Hallucinations
• Swelling in the area around the eyes, face, lips or tongue
• Faint
• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Hypertension
• Irregular heartbeat or fast heartbeat
• seizures