Ketamine Hydrochloride
Ketamine Hydrochloride is a rapid-acting, non-barbiturate general anesthetic. It induces a unique state of dissociative anesthesia characterized by profound analgesia, normal pharyngeal-laryngeal reflexes, and cardiovascular stimulation. It acts primarily as a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be administered only by or under the direct supervision of healthcare professionals experienced in administering general anesthetics. Dosages must be individualized based on patient weight, route of administration (IV or IM), and clinical response.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 1 to 2 mg/kg IV (or 5 to 10 mg/kg IM)
- Frequency
- Single dose for induction
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in neonates and infants under 1 year of age are not fully established. Use with extreme caution.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 5 to 14 mg IV (or 25 to 70 mg IM)
- Frequency
- Single dose for induction
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to 1-2 mg/kg IV or 5-10 mg/kg IM. Administer IV slowly over a period of 60 seconds to avoid respiratory depression.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 8 to 20 mg IV (or 40 to 100 mg IM)
- Frequency
- Single dose for induction
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to 1-2 mg/kg IV or 5-10 mg/kg IM. Administer IV slowly over a period of 60 seconds.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 11 to 30 mg IV (or 55 to 150 mg IM)
- Frequency
- Single dose for induction
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to 1-2 mg/kg IV or 5-10 mg/kg IM. Administer IV slowly over a period of 60 seconds.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 16 to 40 mg IV (or 80 to 200 mg IM)
- Frequency
- Single dose for induction
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to 1-2 mg/kg IV or 5-10 mg/kg IM. Administer IV slowly over a period of 60 seconds.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 1 to 2 mg/kg IV (or 5 to 10 mg/kg IM) | Single dose for induction | Safety and efficacy in neonates and infants under 1 year of age are not fully established. Use with extreme caution. |
| 5-7 kg | 5 to 14 mg IV (or 25 to 70 mg IM) | Single dose for induction | Equivalent to 1-2 mg/kg IV or 5-10 mg/kg IM. Administer IV slowly over a period of 60 seconds to avoid respiratory depression. |
| 8-10 kg | 8 to 20 mg IV (or 40 to 100 mg IM) | Single dose for induction | Equivalent to 1-2 mg/kg IV or 5-10 mg/kg IM. Administer IV slowly over a period of 60 seconds. |
| 11-15 kg | 11 to 30 mg IV (or 55 to 150 mg IM) | Single dose for induction | Equivalent to 1-2 mg/kg IV or 5-10 mg/kg IM. Administer IV slowly over a period of 60 seconds. |
| 16-20 kg | 16 to 40 mg IV (or 80 to 200 mg IM) | Single dose for induction | Equivalent to 1-2 mg/kg IV or 5-10 mg/kg IM. Administer IV slowly over a period of 60 seconds. |
Formulation
Purpose
Anesthetic agent used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, as well as for pain management and procedural sedation.
Generic Name
Ketamine HydrochlorideBranded Drug Names
Ketamine Hydrochloride is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.