S. Sekerci et al., ORAL KETAMINE PREMEDICATION IN CHILDREN (PLACEBO-CONTROLLED DOUBLE-BLIND-STUDY), European journal of anaesthesiology, 13(6), 1996, pp. 606-611
Ketamine 3-6 mg kg(-1) given by mouth to paediatric patients for anaes
thetic premedication was evaluated. Forty-three children, ages 2-9 yea
rs were randomly allocated to receive either ketamine (3 or 6 mg kg(-1
)) or placebo (cola 0.2 mt kg(-1)). Oral use of ketamine made separati
on from the families easier, gave an increased level of sedation, made
acceptance of mask application easier and improved the emotional stat
e in the recovery phase. These improvements were present with ketamine
3 mg kg(-1) and 6 mg kg(-1) in comparison with the placebo. We conclu
de that 3 mg kg(-1) ketamine given by mouth to premedicate paediatric
patients is as effective as 6 mg kg(-1) but has a decreased incidence
of side effects such as nystagmus and vomiting.