Safety of Ketamine Inhalation for Medical Use

Respiratory Considerations

• Ketamine can cause increased upper airway secretions, which may worsen respiratory symptoms in patients with underlying conditions like COPD 1

Cardiovascular Effects

• Ketamine produces a dose-dependent increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output through stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system 2
• It should be avoided in patients with ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, or hypertension due to its cardiovascular stimulant effects 2
• In patients with sepsis or critical illness, the hemodynamic response to ketamine may be blunted or even reversed 2

Clinical Monitoring Requirements

• Consider capnometry to provide additional information regarding early identification of hypoventilation during ketamine administration 3
• Pulse oximetry should be used in patients at increased risk of developing hypoxemia, such as when high doses of drugs are used 3