What is the infusion rate for ketamine post-intubation management?

The infusion rate for ketamine in post-intubation management is aimed at providing analgesia and sedation to facilitate patient comfort and ventilation after intubation. The correct range of 1 to 2 mg/kg/hour is widely accepted as effective for these purposes, balancing sedation effects while minimizing the potential for adverse reactions.

This dosage range allows for sustained sedation without excessively deep levels of anesthesia, which could lead to complications such as respiratory depression or hemodynamic instability. Ketamine’s unique properties, including its dissociative effects and analgesic qualities, make it particularly useful in the critical care setting, especially when managing intubated patients.

Understanding the appropriate dosing is vital to ensure patient safety and comfort, and using ketamine within this range has been supported by clinical practice guidelines and research in emergency and critical care environments.