Experimental
PHARMACOKINETICS AND ANALGESIC EFFECTS OF I.M. AND ORAL KETAMINE

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The pharmacokinetics and analgesic effects of i.m. and oral ketamine in a dose of 0.5mgkg were determined in six healthy volunteers. Analgesia was measured by the tubmazimal effort tourniquet test. Following both mutes of administration, ketamine prolonged the period of pain-free ischaemic exercise. Pain thresholds were increased at 15 mm and 30 mm after i.m. injection and at 30 mm after oral kctamine. The plasma ketamine concentration associated with analgesia was 150 ng ml–1 following the i.m. dose, but only 40 ngml–1 the oral dose. Oral administration was, however, associated with much greater concentrations of the metabolite norketamine, which may have contributed to the analgesic effect.

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