Low-dose ketamine safely reduces acute pain in the ED with a more rapid and shorter effect than morphine.
Annals of internal medicine – April 01, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
A breakthrough in pain management shows ketamine offers faster relief than traditional morphine in emergency settings. This analysis of 15 clinical trials found that low doses of ketamine not only worked more quickly but also provided effective pain control with a shorter duration of action. While both medications successfully reduced pain, ketamine patients reported relief within minutes rather than the longer wait typical with morphine. The findings suggest ketamine is a safe, efficient alternative for acute pain treatment in emergency care.
Abstract
Guo J, Zhao F, Bian J, et al. Low-dose ketamine versus morphine in the treatment of acute pain in the emergency department: a meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials. Am J Emerg Med. 2024;76:140-149. 38071883.