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Oral ketamine
Ketamine is a non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor that blocks glutamate signaling in the central nervous system.
Ketamine is a non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor that blocks glutamate signaling in the central nervous system. Used for Treatment-resistant depression (off-label/emerging indication), Chronic pain conditions (off-label), Anesthesia induction and maintenance.
At a glance
| Generic name | Oral ketamine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ketamin S, Cristalia, São Paulo, Brazil, Intervention Group, Ketamine, ketamine, ketalar |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal de Goias |
| Drug class | NMDA receptor antagonist |
| Target | NMDA receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry, Pain Management, Anesthesia |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ketamine binds to the phencyclidine binding site within the NMDA receptor ion channel, blocking the flow of ions and preventing excitatory neurotransmission. This mechanism produces rapid-onset anesthetic, analgesic, and dissociative effects. At sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine has demonstrated rapid-acting antidepressant properties, likely through effects on glutamatergic neurotransmission and downstream neuroplasticity pathways.
Approved indications
- Treatment-resistant depression (off-label/emerging indication)
- Chronic pain conditions (off-label)
- Anesthesia induction and maintenance
Common side effects
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Increased blood pressure
- Sedation
- Hallucinations
Key clinical trials
- Pain Reduction for Limb Injuries in Pediatric Emergency Departments: Intranasal Fentanyl or Intranasal Ketamine vs Oral Morphine (PHASE3)
- Comparison of Two Intravenous Drug Combinations for Ambulatory Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (PHASE1)
- A Study of CLE-100 (Oral Esketamine) as an Adjunctive Treatment to Standard Antidepressants for Major Depressive Disorder (PHASE2)
- A Clinical Trial of Add-on Oral Slow-release Ketamine Treatment in Major Depression (PHASE2)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Esketamine for Reduction of Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (PHASE3)
- ACP-211 Monotherapy for Major Depressive Disorder With Inadequate Antidepressant Response (PHASE2)
- Premedication in Children: a Clinical Trial Comparing Oral Ketamine and Oral Clonidine With Respect to Sedation Level and Opioid Consumption in Pediatrics Undergoing Elective Lower Abdominal Day-case Surgery. (NA)
- KF2025#1 Trial: Ketamine, Cannabidiol and Cobicistat Interaction Study (PHASE1)
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:
- Oral ketamine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Oral ketamine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Universidade Federal de Goias portfolio CI