Ketamine is an antagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor that not only abolishes peripheral afferent noxious stimulation, but it may also prevent central sensitization of nociceptors as shown in animal studies with excellent analgesic property even in subanesthetic doses. It is readily available and is being used currently, even by non-Anesthesiologists, to provide sedation for minor procedures.(.. Low-dose ketamine infusion in the perioperative period has shown to produce analgesia and decrease the requirements of opioid analgesics.. In obstetrics, it is being used as an adjunct to an inadequately functioning spinal anesthesia for caesarean section, as an induction agent for cesarean section and also to provide analgesia during labor in intermittent boluses.
Ketamine is an antagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor that not only abolishes peripheral afferent noxious stimulation, but it may also prevent central sensitization of nociceptors as shown in animal studies with excellent analgesic property even in subanesthetic doses. It is readily available and is being used currently, even by non-Anesthesiologists, to provide sedation for minor procedures.(.. Low-dose ketamine infusion in the perioperative period has shown to produce analgesia and decrease the requirements of opioid analgesics.. In obstetrics, it is being used as an adjunct to an inadequately functioning spinal anesthesia for caesarean section, as an induction agent for cesarean section and also to provide analgesia during labor in intermittent boluses.