Ketamine (By injection)
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Brand Name(s)
Ketalar
There may be other brand names for this medicine.Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Some medicines and foods can affect how ketamine works. Tell your doctor if you are using narcotic pain medicine or a barbiturate.
How to Use This Medicine
Injectable
- A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. It is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Introduction
Ketamine (KEE-ta-meen)
Given before surgery or a medical procedure.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Bloody or cloudy urine, difficult or painful urination
- Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- Muscle stiffness, muscle spasm, or seizure
- Unusual thoughts or behavior, severe confusion, dreaming while awake, or seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Double vision or uncontrolled eye movements
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Redness, pain, or blistering where the shot was given
Warnings While Using This Medicine
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart failure, heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems such as asthma, or increased spinal fluid pressure. Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, or if you drink alcohol daily.
- This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or confused for several hours. If you had outpatient surgery, you will need someone to drive you home. Wait at least 24 hours after you receive this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous.
- This medicine may cause you to have unusual thoughts or behaviors after your surgery or procedure. You might feel confused or excited, or you might see or hear things that are not really there. Call your doctor if these thoughts or behaviors are severe or last longer than 24 hours.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
Review Date: 7/4/2018
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