Adverse Effects of Ketamine on Procedural Sedation and Analgesia in PACU
Keywords:
Ketamine, Procedural sedation, Adverse events, Post-anesthesia care unit, Patient safety.Abstract
Background: Ketamine is widely used for procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) because of its rapid onset, effective analgesia, amnesia, and preservation of airway reflexes. Despite its favorable safety profile, adverse effects may occur during recovery, particularly in the Post‑Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Objective: To determine the frequency and pattern of adverse effects associated with ketamine-based procedural sedation and analgesia. Methods: A four‑month cross‑sectional study was conducted at Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Ninety‑four patients receiving ketamine were enrolled. Results: The overall adverse‑effect rate was 55.3%. Hypertension, tachycardia, vomiting, nausea, emergence reactions, and hypersalivation were the most common complications. Serious respiratory complications were rare. Conclusion: Ketamine remains an effective and relatively safe sedative agent when proper monitoring is maintained.
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