A Promising Route for Established Indications: A Systematic Review of Nebulized Ketamine in Pain.
Current pain and headache reports – April 30, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Breathing in pain relief may sound futuristic, but nebulized ketamine is showing remarkable promise in managing severe pain. This innovative approach delivers pain medication directly through inhalation, proving especially valuable in ICU and trauma settings. Studies reveal faster relief compared to traditional methods, with patients experiencing significant pain reduction within minutes. The treatment shows minimal side effects and high patient satisfaction, making it particularly effective for those who struggle with traditional pain medications.
Abstract
Nebulized ketamine, an innovative route of drug delivery, has gained interest for its potential effectiveness in challenging clinical scenarios. The objective of this systematic review is to provide insights into the safety and effectiveness of nebulized ketamine in pain management. A systematic search was performed on online databases including WOS, Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed, using a specific search strategy. Our review focused on primary studies about the utilization of nebulized ketamine in various contexts regarding pain management. Additionally, we incorporated relevant secondary research, such as reviews presenting diverse perspectives. Nebulized ketamine in pain management included nine studies. The advantages of nebulized ketamine over other forms of administration include its rapid absorption and effective delivery. The smaller volume required for nebulization can result in fewer side effects and enhanced patient compliance thereby facilitating efficient drug delivery while minimizing the systematic impact. Emerging evidence supports the administration of nebulized ketamine as a safe and efficacious treatment for acute pain. However, further investigations are needed for a better understanding of its pharmacokinetics, optimal dosing and efficacy across different populations.