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Ketalar (ketamine)
Ketamine works by blocking the action of glutamate at the NMDA receptor, which is involved in pain perception and memory formation.
Ketalar (ketamine) is a general anesthetic drug that targets the glutamate NMDA receptor. Originally developed by PAR STERILE PRODUCTS and currently owned by Ph Health, it was FDA-approved in 1970 for general and local anesthesia. As an off-patent medication with multiple generic manufacturers, ketamine is widely available. Key safety considerations include its potential for abuse and dependence. Its half-life is approximately 2.8 hours, with a bioavailability of 20%.
At a glance
| Generic name | ketamine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Ph Health |
| Drug class | General Anesthetic |
| Target | Glutamate [NMDA] receptor |
| Therapeutic area | Metabolic |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1970 |
Mechanism of action
Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection, racemic mixture of ketamine, is non-selective, non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, an ionotropic glutamate receptor. The major circulating metabolite of ketamine (norketamine) demonstrated activity at the same receptor with less affinity. Norketamine is about 1/3 as active as ketamine in reducing halothane requirements (MAC) of the rat.
Approved indications
- General anesthesia
- Local anesthesia
Common side effects
- Anaphylaxis
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Arrhythmia
- Severe depression of respiration or apnea
- Laryngospasms
- Airway obstruction
- Diplopia
- Nystagmus
- Slight elevation in intraocular pressure measurement
- Cystitis
- Hydronephrosis
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)
- Electroencephalographic (EEG) Profils for Patients on Intravenous Ketamine.
- Comparison of Two Intravenous Drug Combinations for Ambulatory Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (PHASE1)
- Effects of Local Ketamine in Orthognathic Procedures (NA)
- Management of Pain in Lumbar Arthrodesis (PHASE4)
- Neurobiology of Suicide (PHASE2)
- Randomized Trial of Sedative Choice for Intubation (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 |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| 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:
- Ketalar CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ketalar updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Ph Health portfolio CI