Ketamine
Ketalar (ketamine) is a dissociative anesthetic used to induce and maintain anesthesia during surgical and diagnostic procedures. It works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, producing a trance-like state with pain relief and amnesia. While primarily used in operating rooms and emergency settings, it has also shown efficacy in treating treatment-resistant depression.
Ketalar is a dissociative anesthetic used for surgery, procedural sedation, and increasingly for treatment-resistant depression.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 6129
- Generic
- Ketalar
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia during surgical and diagnostic procedures. Also employed for procedural sedation in emergency settings and has demonstrated effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant depression and severe suicidal ideation.
Works as a non-competitive antagonist at NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptors, blocking excitatory neurotransmission and producing dissociative, analgesic, and anesthetic effects.
A Schedule III controlled substance requiring appropriate prescribing authority. May cause psychotomimetic effects, increased salivation, and cardiovascular stimulation. Requires monitoring of vital signs during administration. Should be used with caution in patients with hypertension, heart disease, or psychiatric conditions.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy