Versatility of Ketamine

Abstract

In the present day anaesthesia practice, ketamine is not routinely used as an induction agent but a popular pharmacological agent in variety of pain conditions from nociceptive to neuropathic pains and for paediatric procedural sedation outside operation theatre complex. But off late, there is a renewed enthusiasm with regard to use of Ketamine for variety of indications like pain relief in pre hospital trauma victims, prevention of emergence delirium from anaesthesia, as an antidepressant, anticonvulsant, to prevent post operative sore throat and even in renal colic. Following text is a narrative review on the recent evidences with regard to pharmacology of the agent for its extended indications other than in day to day anaesthesia practice.