Pharmacokinetics and non-analgesic effects of S- and R-ketamines in healthy volunteers with normal and reduced metabolic capacity.

Abstract

There is a growing interest in low-dose ketamine as an analgesic agent in different intractable pain conditions. Due to its narrow therapeutic window, well-defined pharmacokinetic parameters are essential for its successful use in these situations. Arterial data for ketamine or its enantiomers have not been reported before. The metabolic pathways involved in the metabolism of S- and R-ketamines are not known.