There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.
The FDA Drug Labels for ketamine (IV) do not address this question.
From the Research
Potential Benefits of Ketamine for COVID-19
- Ketamine possesses analgesia, anti-inflammation, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotection properties, which may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients 1.
- Ketamine-based sedation was associated with lower hospital length of stay and faster lactic acid normalization in critically ill patients with COVID-19 1.
- Ketamine as a sedative-analgesic agent in COVID-19 patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome demonstrated safety with reduced mortality 2.
- Ketamine may attenuate depression and mitigate suicidal thoughts in COVID-19 patients without depressing respiratory or cardiovascular mechanics 3.
- Ketamine has been shown to have analgesic and sedating properties without having a detrimental impact on hemodynamics, making it an attractive sedative for acute respiratory distress syndrome 4.
Considerations of Ketamine for COVID-19
- The evidence that supports the use of ketamine in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients with COVID-19 is insufficient, and larger prospective studies are recommended to assess its safety and effectiveness 1.
- There were no significant differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation or mortality between the ketamine and control groups in some studies 1, 2.
- Ketamine may have a higher hospital length of stay compared to other sedatives, but with a similar complication profile 2.
- The use of ketamine as a sedative in COVID-19 patients requires careful consideration of its potential benefits and risks, and further research is needed to fully understand its effects 1, 2, 4.
Additional Considerations
- Ketamine may have a role in reducing the necessity for other sedatives and vasopressors in patients requiring deep sedation for acute respiratory distress syndrome 4.
- At-home, sublingual ketamine telehealth may be a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe anxiety and depression, but its use in COVID-19 patients requires further study 5.