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IN ketamine
Intranasal ketamine is a rapid-acting NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks glutamate signaling in the brain to produce fast-onset antidepressant and analgesic effects.
Intranasal ketamine is a rapid-acting NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks glutamate signaling in the brain to produce fast-onset antidepressant and analgesic effects. Used for Treatment-resistant depression, Acute suicidal ideation and behavior, Chronic pain conditions.
At a glance
| Generic name | IN ketamine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ketamine hydrochloride |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's |
| Drug class | NMDA receptor antagonist |
| Target | NMDA receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Pain Management |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Ketamine antagonizes N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are ionotropic glutamate receptors involved in excitatory neurotransmission. This blockade leads to rapid disinhibition of downstream neural circuits and activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, promoting synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. The intranasal formulation enables rapid CNS penetration and faster onset of therapeutic effects compared to systemic administration.
Approved indications
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Acute suicidal ideation and behavior
- Chronic pain conditions
Common side effects
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sedation
Key clinical trials
- Examining Analgesic Synergy and Efficacy in Trauma Care (PHASE4)
- Pain Reduction for Limb Injuries in Pediatric Emergency Departments: Intranasal Fentanyl or Intranasal Ketamine vs Oral Morphine (PHASE3)
- Effects of Local Ketamine in Orthognathic Procedures (NA)
- Management of Pain in Lumbar Arthrodesis (PHASE4)
- Randomized Trial of Sedative Choice for Intubation (PHASE4)
- Investigation of the NMDA Antagonist Ketamine as a Treatment for Tinnitus (PHASE2)
- Comparison Between Tranversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block With Only Bupivacaine and TAP Block With Bupivacaine Plus Ketamine in Reducing Postoperative Pain After Total Abdominal Hystrectomy (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy for Adolescent PTSD (KAP) (EARLY_PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |