What is the indication for using Ketamine in clinical practice?

The use of Ketamine in clinical practice is primarily indicated for general anesthesia and procedural sedation. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that induces a trance-like state while providing pain relief, sedation, and amnesia. It is often used in surgery and interventional procedures due to its rapid onset and the ability to maintain hemodynamic stability, making it particularly valuable in patients who may be at risk for hypotension with other anesthetic agents.

While Ketamine is increasingly recognized for its off-label uses, such as in the treatment of refractory depression and chronic pain management, its primary and historically established role in clinical practice remains in anesthesia. The unique mechanism of action of Ketamine, involving NMDA receptor antagonism, contributes to its effectiveness in these settings, allowing for a versatile approach to sedation and analgesia during procedures.