Ketamine hydrochloride (ketamine hcl) is a nonbarbiturate anesthetic chemically designated (±)-2-(o-Chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino) cyclohexanone hydrochloride. It is formulated as a slightly acid (pH 3.5 to 5.5) sterile solution for intravenous or intramuscular injection in concentrations containing the equivalent of 50 mg ketamine base per milliliter and contains not more than 0.1 mg/mL benzethonium chloride added as a preservative. Ketamine hydrochloride (ketamine hcl) has the following structural formula:
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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects within 24 hours after you receive ketamine:
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
Before you receive ketamine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a history of alcoholism.
It may take you longer to recover from anesthesia with ketamine if you have recently used a barbiturate such as phenobarbital (Luminal) or secobarbital (Seconal), or a narcotic medication such as fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic), hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), propoxyphene (Darvocet, Darvon), and others.
Ketamine may be harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive ketamine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
You may feel strange or slightly confused when you first come out of anesthesia. Tell your caregivers if these feelings are severe or unpleasant.
Ketamine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions for 24 hours or longer. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. You will probably not be allowed to drive yourself home after your surgery or medical procedure.
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you recover from anesthesia.
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