Ketamine is a medication mainly used for starting and maintaining anesthesia. It induces a trance-like state while providing pain relief, sedation, and memory loss. Other uses include for chronic pain, sedation in intensive care, and depression.

Formula: C13H16ClNO

Elimination half-life: : Ketamine: 2.5–3 hours; Norketamine: 12 hours;

Duration of action: : Intramuscular: 0.5–2 hours; Insufflation: 45–60 min; By mouth: 1–6+ hours;

Melting point: 258 to 261 °C (496 to 502 °F)

Metabolism: Liver (N-demethylation):: Major: CYP3A4; Minor: CYP2B6, CYP2C9

Metabolites: Norketamine; Dehydronorketamine; Hydroxynorketamine; Conjugates;

Chirality: Racemic mixture:: Esketamine (S(+)-isomer); Arketamine (R(−)-isomer)