Leaflet Details
| Title | Oral Ketamine for Pain Relief |
| Department | Inpatient Pain Service |
| Author(s) | Monica Thompson |
| Review Date | November 2025 |
| Next Review | November 2027 |
| Download | A4 Handout PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
Introduction
Ketamine is an anaesthetic medicine that, in low doses, can help manage pain that has not improved with standard treatments. It is particularly useful for nerve related pain, pain linked to reduced blood supply, and for patients already taking long term opioids. On the wards, Ketamine is given as an oral syrup.
How does Ketamine work?
Ketamine reduces pain by blocking certain nerve signals in the spinal cord, preventing pain messages from being amplified before they reach the brain.
When is Ketamine used in hospital?
Ketamine may be considered for patients who:
- Have pain that is not responding to medicines such as Morphine.
- Have nerve pain (e.g., phantom limb pain), especially when treatments like Gabapentin or Pregabalin have not worked or caused significant side effects.
- Have wounds or injuries that are extremely sensitive to pain.
Ketamine can improve pain control and may allow lower doses of other pain medicines such as Morphine or Codeine.
Who can have Ketamine?
Ketamine is not suitable for everyone. Your Anaesthetist or the Inpatient Pain Service will assess whether it is safe and appropriate for you.
If suitable, Ketamine syrup may be prescribed up to four times daily for at least 48 hours after surgery or injury, but for no longer than seven days.
You will not be discharged home with Ketamine.
Are there any side effects?
Ketamine may cause:
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Disorientation
- Nausea
- Uncommon effects such as hallucinations or flashbacks
Your nursing team will monitor you closely. Please tell them immediately if you experience any unpleasant effects so that your treatment can be reviewed or stopped if needed.
Unlicensed medicine information
Ketamine syrup is an unlicensed form of the medication, meaning the manufacturer has not applied for a licence for this specific preparation. Healthcare professionals may use unlicensed medicines when they believe the expected benefits outweigh any potential risks.
More information: Off-label or unlicensed use of medicines can be found at:
Off-label or unlicensed use of medicines: prescribers’ responsibilities - GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/off-label-or-unlicensed-use-of-medicines-prescribers-responsibilities
For further information about Ketamine use in hospital, or if you would like to talk to one of the nurses about Ketamine, please contact the Inpatient Pain Service nursing staff on:
01932 872000 (switchboard) and ask for pager 5042
