Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Ketamine IV push

Ketamine is a non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor that produces rapid-onset anesthesia and analgesia.

Ketamine is a non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor that produces rapid-onset anesthesia and analgesia. Used for Induction and maintenance of anesthesia, Acute pain management, Procedural sedation.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Ketamine blocks NMDA glutamate receptors on neurons, interrupting pain signal transmission and producing dissociative anesthesia. When administered intravenously as a bolus (IV push), it rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier and produces sedation, analgesia, and amnesia within seconds, making it useful for procedural anesthesia and acute pain management.

Approved indications

• Induction and maintenance of anesthesia
• Acute pain management
• Procedural sedation
• Treatment-resistant depression (off-label/emerging)

Common side effects

• Dissociation/hallucinations
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Nausea/vomiting
• Dizziness
• Emergence reactions

Key clinical trials

• Prehospital Analgesia INtervention Trial (PAIN) (PHASE3)
• Comparison of Peri-intubation Oxygenation Values and Complications in Patients Intubated With the Delayed Versus Rapid Sequence Intubation Protocols (NA)
• Magnesium and Cramping (PHASE4)
• Evaluating the Hemodynamic Effects of Ketamine Versus Etomidate During Rapid Sequence Intubation (PHASE4)
• The Effect of Anesthesia Management on Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in the Ercp Procedures (NA)
• Low Dose Ketamine (LDK) Versus Morphine for Acute Pain Control in the Emergency Department (PHASE4)
• Patient Satisfaction With Subdissociative Dose Ketamine Versus Morphine for Emergency Department Pain Control
• Intra-nasal vs. Intra-venous Ketamine Administration (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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