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What Is Ketalar?

Ketalar is a prescription general anesthetic containing ketamine hydrochloride and is a Schedule III controlled substance. It is indicated as a sole anesthetic for selected diagnostic or surgical procedures, for induction before other general anesthetics, and as a supplement to other anesthetic agents. Current concentrations include 10 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg of ketamine per mL.

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What Is Ketalar?

Ketalar is a prescription general anesthetic containing ketamine hydrochloride and is a Schedule III controlled substance. It is indicated as a sole anesthetic for selected diagnostic or surgical procedures, for induction before other general anesthetics, and as a supplement to other anesthetic agents. Current concentrations include 10 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg of ketamine per mL.

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How Does Ketalar Work?

Ketamine is a nonselective, noncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Its central nervous system effects produce a dissociative anesthetic state with profound analgesia and altered awareness.

Who Receives Ketalar?

Ketalar is administered by or under the direction of clinicians trained in general anesthesia, airway management, oxygenation, and ventilation. Heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygenation are monitored continuously, and emergency airway equipment is kept immediately accessible during administration.

How Is Ketalar Dosed for Anesthesia Induction?

Intravenous induction uses 1 mg per kg to 4.5 mg per kg administered slowly, with 2 mg per kg as an average dose for surgical anesthesia. Intramuscular induction uses 6.5 mg per kg to 13 mg per kg. Dosing is individualized according to the anesthetic need and accompanying medicines.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Ketalar?

Serious concerns include major blood pressure and heart rate changes, emergence reactions, respiratory depression, drug-induced liver injury, increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure, abuse, and dependence. Ketalar is contraindicated when a significant blood pressure increase would create a serious hazard. Combining ketamine with opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants can cause profound sedation and respiratory depression.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ketalar

What is Ketalar used for?

Ketalar is used as a general anesthetic for specified diagnostic and surgical settings.

What is a typical intravenous induction dose?

The labeled intravenous induction range is 1 mg per kg to 4.5 mg per kg, with about 2 mg per kg as an average dose.

Is Ketalar a controlled substance?

Yes. Ketalar is a Schedule III controlled substance.

Can the 100 mg per mL concentration be injected intravenously without dilution?

No. Current labeling requires proper dilution of the 100 mg per mL concentration before intravenous administration.

References

KETALAR (Ketamine Hydrochloride) Prescribing Information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=14e8f864-8b8a-4e7e-8439-e510d3107063. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Ketamine Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a626003.html. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Ketamine Pharmacology: An Update (Pharmacodynamics and Molecular Aspects, Recent Findings). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23575437/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Ketamine: A Review of Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Anesthesia and Pain Therapy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27028535/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Multiple Mechanisms of Ketamine Blockade of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9105235/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.