Ketamine: Is the current 200 mg product fit for purpose in the emergency department?

Objective: To describe the magnitude of ketamine doses administered in the ED, to identify an appropriate product to minimise risk of administration errors and diversion.

Methods: Retrospective audit of patients prescribed ketamine in two mixed adult/paediatric EDs over 12 months.

Results: Ketamine was administered to 386 patients (722 doses). The most common dose was ≤20 mg (52.1%), followed by 21-50 mg (30.5%). Overall, 215 patients required one dose only (71 received a dose ≤20 mg), while 299 required no more than two doses.

Conclusion: Over three-quarters of ketamine doses were ≤50 mg; therefore, 50 mg in 1 mL may be an appropriate product.