Last reviewed · How we verify

S-Ketamine 0.25

Turku University Hospital · FDA-approved active Small molecule

S-Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks glutamate signaling in the brain, producing rapid-onset anesthetic and analgesic effects.

S-Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks glutamate signaling in the brain, producing rapid-onset anesthetic and analgesic effects. Used for Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, Acute pain management, Treatment-resistant depression (investigational).

At a glance

Generic nameS-Ketamine 0.25
Also known asKetanest-S
SponsorTurku University Hospital
Drug classNMDA receptor antagonist
TargetNMDA receptor
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaAnesthesia, Pain Management, Psychiatry
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

S-Ketamine is the active S-enantiomer of ketamine, which acts as a non-competitive antagonist at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a subtype of glutamate receptor. This blockade interrupts excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system, producing dissociative anesthesia, analgesia, and sedation. The S-enantiomer is approximately 3–4 times more potent than the racemic mixture and has a faster onset and shorter duration of action.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial 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: