Drugs & Vitamins

Ketamine Active Ingredients: Ketamine Representative Names: Ketalar What is ketamine injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with ketamine? What side effects may I notice from receiving ketamine? What should I watch for while taking ketamine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is ketamine injection? (Back to top) KETAMINE (Ketalar®) reduces anxiety and tension, and promotes relaxation and sleep before surgery or other procedures. Ketamine is used before short diagnostic tests and surgical procedures and may supplement other types of general anethesia. Generic ketamine injections are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •if you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages •brain tumor or head injury •eye injury •glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye •heart disease, including angina, heart failure, or heart attack •high blood pressure •psychosis or schizophrenia •stroke •an unusual or allergic reaction to ketamine, anesthetics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Ketamine is for injection into a muscle or infusion into a vein. It is given by a trained anesthesia professional in a controlled environment, like a hospital or surgical clinic. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with ketamine? (Back to top) •alcohol •barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions) •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam •medicines for hay fever and other allergies •medicines for mental depression •medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances •medicines for pain •muscle relaxants •thyroid hormones Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving ketamine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •lightheadedness or fainting spells •fast or slow heartbeat, palpitations •involuntary and uncontrollable muscle movements (may appear like seizures) •slow breathing, difficulty breathing Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •anxiety •disorientation •dizziness, drowsiness •double vision, involuntary eye movements •hallucinations, nightmares, a feeling of floating, or unreality (these usually go away within a short time) •nausea, vomiting •loss of appetite •pain or irritation at the injection site What should I watch for while taking ketamine? (Back to top) You will be closely monitored following administration of ketamine. Ketamine can cause significant drowsiness, dizziness, and lack of coordination lasting many hours after the dose is given. Do not attempt to drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after a dose of ketamine. Avoid alcohol, mood-altering drugs, or any other medicines for at least 24 hours after a dose of ketamine, unless approved by your prescriber or health care professional. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. You will not be taking this medicine at home. Last Updated:12/26/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.