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Ketalar
Generic name: ketamine
What is Ketalar?
Ketalar is used to help you sleep during surgery and to stop pain and discomfort during some medical tests or procedures.
Ketalar may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
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Warnings
Tell your caregivers if you have hallucinations or unusual thoughts while waking up from General anesthetics.
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Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with Ketalar if you are allergic to it, or if you have untreated or uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease;
- high blood pressure;
- liver disease;
- alcoholism; or
- if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Anesthesia may affect brain development in a young child or unborn baby (when used in the mother), leading to learning or behavior problems later in life. Long surgeries or repeated procedures pose the highest risks.
Anesthesia may still be necessary for a life-threatening condition, medical emergency, or surgery to correct a birth defect. Your doctor can inform you about all medicines given during a surgery or procedure.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed shortly after you receive Ketalar.
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Ketalar side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregivers if you have hallucinations or unusual thoughts while waking up from anesthesia.
Ketalar may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:
- painful or difficult urination, increased urination, loss of bladder control, blood in your urine;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing; or
- jerky muscle movements that may look like convulsions.
Common side effects of Ketalar may include:
- confusion; or
- dream-like feeling.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How is Ketalar given?
Ketalar is injected into a muscle or a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely.
You may feel strange or confused when you awake from anesthesia. Tell your caregivers if these feelings are severe or unpleasant.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Ketalar is given as a single dose and does not require a daily dosing schedule.
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What happens if I overdose?
In a medical setting, an overdose will be treated quickly.
Ketalar may affect your thinking or reactions for several hours. Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after you receive Ketalar.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect Ketalar?
It may take you longer to recover from anesthesia if you use other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing. This includes opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may affect Ketalar, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Common questions about Ketalar
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.