An NMDA receptor antagonist developed in 1963 as an anesthetic to replace phencyclindine (PCP). Although still used as an anesthetic, primarily in veterinary medicine, ketamine has become a street drug, also know as “cat valium,” “Kit-Kat,” “K,” “Vitamin K,” and “Special K.” Snorted or swallowed, ketamine can cause dreamlike states and hallucinations.
A dissociative anesthetic.
A white crystalline powder that is a general anaesthetic, used in human and veterinary medicine.
An anaesthetic drug, administered by intravenous or intramuscular injection and used mainly in children. The drug has good analgesic properties when used in subanaesthetic doses. One disadvantage is that when used as an anaesthetic, hallucinations may occur. Ketamine is contraindicated in patients with hypertension.
An injectable form of general anesthesia frequently administered to children undergoing distressing procedures like bone marrow biopsy. Ketamine can also be misused due to its stimulating properties.