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Ketamine

CDSCO approved

Dissociative anaesthetic (NMDA receptor antagonist)

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

4 available

Interactions

5 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Non-competitively blocks NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptors, producing dissociative anaesthesia with catalepsy, analgesia, and amnesia while maintaining protective reflexes

At a glance

Class

Dissociative anaesthetic (NMDA receptor antagonist)

Schedule

Controlled Substance

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light. Schedule X controlled substance in India.

CDSCO (India)

Vet-approved — 1975-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Induction (with diazepam/midazolam)

Dose

3–7 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Single dose (with benzodiazepine)

Max dose

200 mg

Duration: Single induction dose; always combine with benzodiazepine or alpha-2 agonist

CRI for analgesia (sub-anaesthetic)

Dose

2–20 mcg/kg/min

Route

IV CRI

Frequency

Continuous infusion

Max dose

20 mcg/kg/min

Duration: Intra-operative and up to 24h post-op

🐈

Cat

Induction (with diazepam/midazolam)

Dose

3–7 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Single dose (with benzodiazepine)

Max dose

50 mg

Duration: Always combine with sedative/benzodiazepine

Chemical restraint (with medetomidine IM)

Dose

5–10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Single dose

Max dose

50 mg

Duration: 20-40 min anaesthesia; reverse medetomidine with atipamezole

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💉

Injectable — 2

Strength

50mg/mL

Available in India

Strength

100mg/mL

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light. Schedule X controlled substance in India.

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Head trauma / raised intracranial pressure
Ketamine increases intracranial pressure and intraocular pressure
Open globe injuries
Increases intraocular pressure — risk of expelling intraocular contents

Use with caution

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (cats)
Sympathomimetic effects increase heart rate and afterload — use with caution
Seizure history
Controversial — may lower seizure threshold; always combine with benzodiazepine

Adverse effects

Common

Increased salivation

Muscle rigidity

Apneustic breathing

Nystagmus

Serious

Emergence delirium/dysphoria

Seizures (rare — more common without benzodiazepine)

Hypertension

Tachycardia

Monitoring parameters

Heart rateBlood pressureSpO2Respiratory patternMuscle toneRecovery quality

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Xylazine

moderate

Standard sedation/anesthesia combination. Xylazine provides sedation and analgesia; ketamine provides dissociative anesthesia. Additive cardiovascular effects — xylazine causes bradycardia while ketamine increases sympathetic tone.

Management: Common clinical combination. Adjust doses based on intended effect. Monitor heart rate. Xylazine reversible with yohimbine or atipamezole.

Detomidine

moderate

Same pharmacological combination as dexmedetomidine/medetomidine + ketamine. Synergistic sedation.

Management: Standard combination (primarily equine but used off-label in small animals). Monitor cardiovascular parameters.

Minor — 3

Diazepam

minor

Intentional combination: diazepam provides muscle relaxation and reduces ketamine-induced rigidity

Management: Standard and recommended combination for anaesthesia induction. Calculate doses separately.

Dexmedetomidine

minor

Synergistic sedation/anaesthesia; intended combination for balanced anaesthesia

Management: Reduce ketamine dose by 50% when combined with dexmedetomidine. Monitor cardiovascular function.

Midazolam

minor

Intentional combination; midazolam provides muscle relaxation and reduces ketamine-induced rigidity

Management: Standard and recommended combination for sedation/anaesthesia.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Ketalar

Pfizer

Ketamil

Ilium

India

Aneket

Neon Labs

Ketamax

Troikaa

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic (nmda receptor antagonist) used in pets. Non-competitively blocks NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptors, producing dissociative anaesthesia with catalepsy, analgesia, and amnesia while maintaining protective reflexes

›What is Ketamine used for in pets?

Ketamine is used in veterinary medicine for: Induction (with diazepam/midazolam); CRI for analgesia (sub-anaesthetic); Chemical restraint (with medetomidine IM).

›What is the Ketamine dose for dogs?

For dogs, Ketamine is typically dosed as follows — Induction (with diazepam/midazolam): 3–7 mg/kg IV Single dose (with benzodiazepine); CRI for analgesia (sub-anaesthetic): 2–20 mcg/kg/min IV CRI Continuous infusion. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Ketamine dose for cats?

For cats, Ketamine is typically dosed as follows — Induction (with diazepam/midazolam): 3–7 mg/kg IV Single dose (with benzodiazepine); Chemical restraint (with medetomidine IM): 5–10 mg/kg IM Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Ketamine?

Common: Increased salivation, Muscle rigidity, Apneustic breathing, Nystagmus. Serious (call your vet immediately): Emergence delirium/dysphoria, Seizures (rare — more common without benzodiazepine), Hypertension, Tachycardia.

›Does Ketamine need a prescription?

Ketamine is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

›When should Ketamine not be used?

Do not use Ketamine if: Head trauma / raised intracranial pressure; Open globe injuries.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database