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Intra-nasal ketamine
Intranasal ketamine is a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist that rapidly blocks glutamate signaling in the brain to produce dissociative and analgesic effects.
Intranasal ketamine is a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist that rapidly blocks glutamate signaling in the brain to produce dissociative and analgesic effects. Used for Treatment-resistant depression, Acute pain management, Anesthesia induction.
At a glance
| Generic name | Intra-nasal ketamine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Lions Gate Hospital |
| Drug class | NMDA receptor antagonist |
| Target | NMDA receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry, Pain Management, Anesthesia |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ketamine antagonizes N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are ionotropic glutamate receptors involved in excitatory neurotransmission. By blocking these receptors, ketamine disrupts glutamatergic signaling and produces rapid-onset dissociative, analgesic, and in some cases antidepressant effects. The intranasal formulation allows direct delivery to the nasal mucosa for systemic absorption, potentially offering faster onset and non-invasive administration compared to intravenous routes.
Approved indications
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Acute pain management
- Anesthesia induction
Common side effects
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sedation
Key clinical trials
- Comparison of Peri-intubation Oxygenation Values and Complications in Patients Intubated With the Delayed Versus Rapid Sequence Intubation Protocols (NA)
- Intra-nasal vs. Intra-venous Ketamine Administration (PHASE4)
- Pain Free Laceration Repairs Using Intra-nasal Ketamine (PHASE2)
- Pre-hospital Care With Intra-Nasal Ketamine for Transport (PRECINKT): A Pilot Study (PHASE1)
- Low Dose Ketamine Intra Nasal Traumatology (PHASE2)
- Comparison of Treatment by IN Ketamine to IV Morphine in Acute Pain (PHASE3)
- Prehospital Analgesia With Intra-Nasal Ketamine (PHASE4)
- Intra-nasal Ketamine for Analgesia in the Emergency Department (PHASE4)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Intra-nasal ketamine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Intra-nasal ketamine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Lions Gate Hospital portfolio CI