USMLE

Ketamine

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Anesthetics
  1. Ketamine
  2. Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
  3. Local Anesthetics
  4. Nondepolarizing Neuromuscular-blocking Drugs
  5. Succinylcholine
  6. Halothane and Fluranes
  7. Propofol
  8. Thiopental

Summary

Ketamine is an NMDA antagonist in the brain that is used in the induction and maintenance of anesthesia. As a sympathomimetic, it causes a fight-or-flight like response, which can present as an elevated heart rate or blood pressure. Lastly, don’t forget that Ketamine can cause increased intracranial pressure.

Key Points

  • Ketamine
    • Mechanism
      • NMDA receptor antagonist
        • Sympathomimetic
    • Clinical use
      • IV anesthetic
        • Used for induction of anesthesia
    • Side effects
      • Increased ICP