From the FDA Drug Label
Ketamine is a potent bronchodilator suitable for anesthetizing patients at high risk for bronchospasm. The role of ketamine infusion in treating bronchospasm is as a potent bronchodilator. This means that ketamine can help to relax the airway muscles and improve breathing in patients who are at high risk for bronchospasm.
From the Research
Role of Ketamine Infusion in Treating Bronchospasm
- Ketamine has been studied as a potential treatment for bronchospasm in various clinical settings, including status asthmaticus and COPD exacerbation 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The evidence suggests that ketamine may have bronchodilatory effects, improving respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in patients with refractory bronchospasm 2, 4, 5, 6.
- Studies have shown that continuous infusion of ketamine can decrease airway resistance, improve dynamic compliance, and preserve functional residual capacity, minute ventilation, and tidal volume 4, 5.
- Ketamine has also been found to decrease audible wheeze, bronchodilator requirements, and hypercarbia in patients with refractory bronchospasm 5.
- However, not all studies have found a significant benefit of ketamine infusion in treating bronchospasm, with one randomized controlled trial finding no improvement in respiratory mechanics compared to fentanyl 3.
Clinical Use of Ketamine Infusion
- Ketamine can be administered as a continuous infusion, with doses ranging from 20-60 micrograms/kg per minute 4.
- The duration of ketamine infusion can vary, with some studies reporting infusions lasting from 24 to 40 hours 4, 5.
- Ketamine may be a safe and effective tool for maintenance sedation of mechanically ventilated patients, with minimal perturbations in blood pressure, heart rate, or vascular resistance 5.
- However, expert anaesthetic help should be available when using ketamine to relieve acute intractable bronchospasm 6.