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Ketamine load
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks glutamate signaling in the brain, producing rapid-onset anesthetic and dissociative effects.
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks glutamate signaling in the brain, producing rapid-onset anesthetic and dissociative effects. Used for General anesthesia (induction and maintenance), Analgesia and sedation, Treatment-resistant depression (off-label/investigational).
At a glance
| Generic name | Ketamine load |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ketalar, Calypsol, Ketamin, Ketaminol, Ketanest |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania |
| Drug class | NMDA receptor antagonist |
| Target | NMDA receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia; Psychiatry (depression) |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ketamine non-competitively antagonizes N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are ionotropic glutamate receptors involved in excitatory neurotransmission. This blockade produces dissociative anesthesia, analgesia, and in sub-anesthetic doses, rapid-acting antidepressant effects thought to involve downstream signaling through mTOR and other pathways. The drug has been marketed for decades as an anesthetic and is increasingly studied for treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric conditions.
Approved indications
- General anesthesia (induction and maintenance)
- Analgesia and sedation
- Treatment-resistant depression (off-label/investigational)
Common side effects
- Dissociation
- Emergence reactions (hallucinations, agitation)
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Ketamine Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics for Postpartum Depression and Pain After Cesarean Delivery (PHASE1)
- An Exploratory Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Esketamine and Dexmedetomidine in Non-Intubated ICU Patients With Hyperactive Delirium (PHASE4)
- Magnesium Sulfate Versus Other Anesthesia Drugs to Reduce Agitation After Adenotonsillectomy in Pediatric Patients (NA)
- General Anesthesia Versus Sedation By Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine With Local Infiltration for Percutaneous Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect in Pediatric Patients (NA)
- Intravenous Lidocaine Plus Port-Site Ropivacaine for Recovery After Laparoscopic Surgery (PHASE3)
- Dexmedetomidine Versus Propofol Sedation for Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (PHASE2)
- Effect of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine on Post-Operative Analgesia (PHASE3)
- Impact of Perioperative Dexmedetomidine and Esketamine on Postoperative Quality of Recovery (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:
- Ketamine load CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ketamine load updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Pennsylvania portfolio CI