Ketamine-The Confluence of Old and Recent Concepts

Abstract

Not many drugs in anaesthesiology have gained so much attention as ketamine got for so many years. It has been used worldwide for the last five decades through various routes and for various indications. In its early year of its manufacture, it was considered a wonder or magic drug though the popularity declined with observation of so many side effects coming to the fore through various clinical trials. However, recently its non-anaesthetic properties and anaesthetic profile has re-kindled a newer interest in its pharmacological profile. Here we stand at a new juncture where a possible confluence of its old and recent utilities can make it a drug for future thus revolutionizing its clinical usage in many scenarios. The current narrative review aims to highlight these aspects through a short journey from its pharmacological profile to its older and recent indications.