Clinical studies of induction agents XXXVI: Ketamine

Abstract

Summary: The intravenous anaesthetic ketamine has been given to patients undergoing minor gynaecological surgery after atropine prcmedication in initial doses ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 mg/kg. The chief induction complications were hypertension and hypertonus, the incidence of which was only broadly related to dosage. Recovery of consciousness was rapid, though marred by a high incidence of delirium at all dose levels. This delirium was sometimes sufficiently severe and prolonged as to necessitate tranquillization with diazepam. Hallucinations at this stage were so unpleasant that patient acceptance was much lower than with the barbiturates. © 1970 John Sherratt and Son Ltd.