The most effective protocol for conscious sedation with ketamine involves careful consideration of dosing and administration routes. Ketamine has been extensively studied and proven to be a valuable agent for conscious sedation in various medical procedures (Mistry & Nahata, 2005). It has been found to be effective in achieving proper sedation without the need for repeat dosing, making it a reliable choice for maintaining sedation during transport (Linder et al., 2017). Ketamine can be titrated intravenously or administered as a bolus intramuscularly, allowing for flexibility in dosing based on individual patient needs (Hartling et al., 2016). Studies have consistently shown that ketamine is effective for conscious sedation in a high percentage of patients, ranging from 89% to 100% across different routes of administration (Mistry & Nahata, 2005).
When comparing ketamine to other sedative drugs like dexmedetomidine and propofol, it has been demonstrated that ketamine is safe and effective (Corcuera-Flores et al., 2016). While these other drugs have also shown efficacy, further comparative clinical studies are needed to determine which is the safest and most effective overall (Corcuera-Flores et al., 2016). Ketamine has been reported as a safe and effective method of pediatric anesthesia delivery for various minor procedures, highlighting its versatility and reliability in clinical settings (Roy et al., 2021).
Moreover, ketamine can be used in combination with other agents to enhance its sedative effects. For instance, a propofol and ketamine-based sedation protocol has been shown to be safe and effective in children undergoing specific procedures, emphasizing the importance of proper training and monitoring when using such combinations (Louer et al., 2019). Additionally, combining ketamine with dexmedetomidine has been found to induce a state of moderate conscious sedation effectively, demonstrating the potential for synergistic effects when used in combination with other sedatives (Ibrahim, 2014).
In conclusion, ketamine is a safe and effective option for conscious sedation in various medical settings. Its versatility, efficacy, and ability to be combined with other agents make it a valuable tool for healthcare providers seeking optimal sedation protocols for their patients.
References:
- Corcuera-Flores, J., Silvestre‐Rangil, J., Cutando-Soriano, A., & López-Jiménez, J. (2016). Current methods of sedation in dental patients - a systematic review of the literature. Medicina Oral Patología Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 0-0.
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- Hartling, L., Milne, A., Foisy, M., Lang, E., Sinclair, D., Klassen, T., … & Evered, L. (2016). What works and what's safe in pediatric emergency procedural sedation: an overview of reviews. Academic Emergency Medicine, 23(5), 519-530.
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https://doi.org/10.1002/phar.2060
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https://doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.12146
- Mistry, R. and Nahata, M. (2005). Ketamine for conscious sedation in pediatric emergency care. Pharmacotherapy the Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy, 25(8), 1104-1111.
https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.2005.25.8.1104
- Roy, C., Turkdogan, S., Nguyen, L., & Yeung, J. (2021). Procedural sedation in minor procedure rooms for pediatric myringotomy and tympanostomy: a quality improvement initiative. Otolaryngology, 167(6), 979-984.
https://doi.org/10.1177/01945998211011066