Ketamine Research Paper

Ketamine is anesthetic, pain reliever, and antidepressant marketed as Ketalar® by Par Sterile Products, LLC in the United States. Amongst having many medical uses that are completely justifiable, ketamine is a drug that has a growing potential in the party scene across the nation, which has landed it a spot on the list of Schedule III controlled substances. For its wide user base, and it's very interesting effects, I will be investigating ketamines primary effects, side effects, metabolism, and long term effects on humans, formally Homo sapiens. I also finds it use in veterinary medicine interesting, as not all drugs are applicable to both fields, making it unique.

Chemically known as d,l-2-(o-chloro-phenyl)-2-(methylamino)cyclohexanone,
Calvin L. Stevens, a professor at Wayne State University. Ketamines discovery hinged on the fact the Phencyclidine (PCP), had a numerous amount of adverse side effects, such as erratic agitation and hallucinations. The first tests with ketamine were performed on human prisoners, and it showed promise, providing a shorter duration of action, and less adverse effects. Its very quick metabolism (biological half life of 3 hours) is accredited to CYP3A4, a cytochrome located in the liver, which allows for rapid demethylation of ketamine, forming an the primary amine, pulling it into the renal excretion system very quickly (90% excreted
Ketamine also serves as an effective blockade for the nicotinic acetylcholine ion channels, leaving its users with a significantly less amount of motor control. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter used at the neuromuscular junction, its the chemical signal that motor neurons use in order to activate muscle. This paralytic effect of the drug is often its potentially dangerous side, it contributes to a decreased rate of respiration and decreased heart rate. A ketamine overdose is apparent when the nicotinic acetylcholine ion channels have been completely blockaded, effectively asphyxiating the person. The few treatments for an overdose are mechanically assisted breathing, due to the diaphragm not functioning, high dose atropine to treat increased tracheobronchial secretions, and administration of O2, to oxygenate the hemoglobin and prevent permanent