- Mechanism of Action
- Acts as a non-competitive antaagonist at the NMDA receptor
Reduces presynaptic release of glutamate
Agonises α and β adrenoceptors
Agonises opioid σ receptors
Clinical Use
- Indications
- Analgesia
- General anaesthesia for procedures not requiring muscle relaxant
- Induction of anaesthesia in conjunction with other agents
- Contraindications
- Severe cardiovascular disease – heart failure, poorly controlled hypertension, recent MI
- Past stroke / brain tumour / intracerebral haemorrhage
- Adverse Effects
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Diplopia / nystagmus
- Raised intracranial pressure
- Nausea / vomiting / anorexia
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