ketamine hydrochloride
Noun: A pharmaceutical compound used primarily as a dissociative anesthetic and analgesic. It is the hydrochloride salt form of ketamine, meaning it is ketamine combined with hydrochloric acid to form a stable, water-soluble powder suitable for medical use. Its primary medical application is as a general anesthetic, particularly in veterinary medicine and for certain human procedures, but it is also known for its potential to induce hallucinogenic and dissociative states at higher doses.
This term refers specifically to the medicinal formulation of the drug ketamine. It is used in clinical and pharmacological contexts. - It is administered by medical professionals via injection (intravenously or intramuscularly). - Its use is common in veterinary practice. - In human medicine, it may be used for minor surgical procedures, especially for patients where other anesthetics are risky (e.g., the very young or elderly). - Outside medical settings, its illicit use is associated with its hallucinogenic properties.
- The veterinarian used ketamine hydrochloride to anesthetize the lion for a dental procedure.
- In the emergency room, ketamine hydrochloride can be a valuable agent for rapid sedation.
- The forensic report identified the seized white powder as ketamine hydrochloride.
- Its classification as a controlled substance is due to the abuse potential of ketamine hydrochloride.
- Chemical nomenclature: The "hydrochloride" suffix indicates it is a salt formed by reacting the base compound (ketamine) with hydrochloric acid. This form is typically more stable and soluble for injection.
- Street names: In illicit contexts, it is often referred to simply as "ketamine," "Special K," or "K."
- Ketamine (n): The base name of the drug, often used interchangeably in non-technical language, though technically referring to the active molecule rather than its specific medicinal salt form.
- Dissociative anesthetic (n): A class of drugs to which ketamine belongs, characterized by producing feelings of detachment from one's self and environment.
- Analgesic (n): A pain-relieving drug; a key property of ketamine hydrochloride.
- General anesthetic
- Dissociative
- Tranquilizer (in specific medical contexts)
- Administer ketamine hydrochloride: The act of giving the drug via injection.
- Under ketamine hydrochloride anesthesia: The state of being anesthetized by this drug.
This term is highly technical and specific. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to use the shortened form "ketamine." The full term "ketamine hydrochloride" emphasizes its status as a prepared pharmaceutical product.
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a general anesthetic and tranquilizer (not a barbiturate) that is administered intravenously or intramuscularly; used mainly by veterinarians or for minor surgery with geriatric or pediatric patients; taken in large doses it causes hallucinations similar to those associated with the use of PCP
