Low-Dose-Ketamine

(Ketalar)

Analgesics & Pain Modulators

Low-dose ketamine (0.1-0.5 mg/kg) provides potent analgesia through NMDA receptor antagonism, preventing central sensitization and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. It is increasingly used as an opioid adjunct in acute pain, chronic pain, and perioperative settings. Ketamine preserves respiratory drive and airway reflexes while providing dissociative analgesia. The drug has unique antidepressant effects at subanesthetic doses. Low-dose ketamine reduces postoperative opioid requirements by 30-50% when used as part of multimodal analgesia. Psychomimetic effects are minimal at these doses, though benzodiazepine coadministration may still be beneficial in susceptible patients.