Taming the Ketamine Tiger
Edward F. Domino, David S. Warner
Anesthesiology August 6, 2010 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0b013e3181ed09a2 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractCI-581, a derivative of phencyclidine, is an effective analgesic and anesthetic at doses of 1.0 to 2.0 mg per kilogram. Given intravenously, it acts within one minute and lasts 5 to 10 minutes depending on dose and individual variation. Repeat doses did not produce tachyphylaxis. Respiratory depression was slight and transient. Undesirable effects included hypertension, tachycardia, and psychic changes. Recovery from analgesia and coma typically occurred within 10 minutes, though electroencephalographic evidence indicated subjects were not fully normal for 1 to 2 hours. No liver or kidney toxicity was observed. The drug's effects resemble those of phencyclidine but are shorter-lasting, and it is proposed that the term 'dissociative anesthetic' describe the mental state it produces.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Volunteers from a prison population |
| Citations | 517 |
| Key finding | CI-581 is an effective analgesic and anesthetic with rapid onset and short duration, but causes hypertension, tachycardia, and psychic changes. |
Abstract
Pharmacologic actions of CI-581, a chemical derivative of phencyclidine, were determined in 20 volunteers from a prison population. The results indicate that this drug is an effective analgesic and anesthetic agent in doses of 1.0 to 2.0 mg per kilogram. With intravenous administration the onset of action is within 1 min and the effects last for about 5 to 10 min, depending on dosage level and individual variation. No tachyphylaxis was evident on repeat doses. Respiratory depression was slight and transient. Hypertension, tachycardia, and psychic changes are undesirable characteristics of the drug. Whether these can be modified by preanesthetic medication was not determined in this study. Recovery from analgesia and coma usually took place within 10 min, although from electroencephalographic evidence it may be assumed that subjects were not completely normal until after 1 to 2 h. No evidence of liver or kidney toxicity was obtained. CI-581 produces pharmacologic effects similar to those reported for phencyclidine, but of shorter duration. The drug deserves further pharmacologic and clinical trials. It is proposed that the words "dissociative anesthetic" be used to describe the mental state produced by this drug.