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Intraoperative infusion of esketamine

Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Esketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks glutamate signaling in the central nervous system, providing rapid-onset anesthesia and analgesia during surgical procedures.

Esketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks glutamate signaling in the central nervous system, providing rapid-onset anesthesia and analgesia during surgical procedures. Used for Intraoperative anesthesia and analgesia during surgical procedures.

At a glance

Generic nameIntraoperative infusion of esketamine
SponsorNanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University
Drug classNMDA receptor antagonist
TargetNMDA receptor
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaAnesthesia
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Esketamine, the S-enantiomer of ketamine, acts as a non-competitive antagonist at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is an ionotropic glutamate receptor. When administered intraoperatively, it produces dissociative anesthesia characterized by analgesia, sedation, and amnesia while maintaining airway reflexes and respiratory drive. The drug's rapid onset and offset make it suitable for perioperative use.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results