Ketamine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic. It is a prescription medicine used for anaesthesia for short procedures and pain control in emergencies. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 6 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Ketamine works
Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which interrupts pain signals and produces a trance-like state of anaesthesia in which the patient feels detached from their surroundings. Unlike many anaesthetics, it tends to support blood pressure and breathing.
What is Ketamine used for?
- Anaesthesia for short procedures and pain control in emergencies
Ketamine is used by doctors and anaesthetists to provide anaesthesia for short procedures, particularly where keeping breathing and blood pressure stable is important. It is also used for strong pain relief and sedation in emergency departments, in trauma care, and sometimes in children having painful procedures. It is a hospital medicine used only under direct medical supervision.
Side effects of Ketamine
The medical team watches closely for side effects of Ketamine, which can include:
- Vivid dreams, confusion or hallucinations on waking
- Raised blood pressure and heart rate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increased saliva
- Double vision
It is a controlled medicine used only under medical supervision, with monitoring and resuscitation equipment available. Tell staff if you have chest pain, severe agitation or difficulty breathing after the procedure.
Precautions and warnings
- It is given only in hospital or clinic settings by trained healthcare professionals who monitor the patient.
- Tell the medical team about high blood pressure, heart disease, raised eye pressure, a history of psychosis or thyroid problems, and all other medicines.
- Do not drive, operate machinery or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after receiving it.
- It is a controlled medicine because non-medical use can lead to dependence and serious bladder damage.
- Let the team know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions about Ketamine
What is the price of Ketamine in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Ketamine products currently in stock range from Rs 19 to Rs 3,250 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Ketacil 500mg Injection at Rs 19. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Ketamine are available in Pakistan?
Ketamine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Ketalite (E-lite), Ketasol (Indus Pharma), Calypsol (Medimpex), Ketamine (Ameer Pharma), Ketamax (Haji Medicine) and Ketacil (Mediceena).Do I need a prescription for Ketamine?
Yes. Ketamine is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Ketamine be used during pregnancy?
Let the team know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Are all Ketamine brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Ketamine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Ketamine brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 9 products containing Ketamine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
