Ketamine is an anesthetic agent used in the United States since 1972 for veterinary and pediatric medicine. It is also used in the treatment of depression and postoperative pain management. However, in recent years it has gained popularity as a street drug used at clubs and raves due to its hallucinogenic effects.
Administration: Oral; intravenous; intramuscular; insufflation
Elimination: Ketamine metabolizes by n-demethylation to norketamine and further dehydrogenates to dehydronorketamine. After 72 hours of a single dose, 2.3% of ketamine is unchanged, 1.6% is norketamine, 16.2% is dehydronorketamine, and 80% is hydroxylated derivatives of ketamine.
Abuse Potential: An overdose can cause unconsciousness and dangerously slowed breathing.
Storage Temp: 2-8°C