Ketamine – information for parents

To reduce the discomfort and fear your child may have experienced in the emergency department today, he/she has been given a sedative medicine called ketamine. This allows treatment to be carried out without causing extra pain and distress. Your child may remain mildly sleepy or clumsy afterwards. They should not be allowed to walk on their own for two hours after the ketamine. They should be closely supervised for the first 8 hours following discharge and (if applicable) for the next 24 hours should be observed by a responsible family member and should not:

• Get involved in strenuous or sporting activities
• Use play equipment such as monkey bars, climbing frames etc.

Do let your child sleep in a safe place if they want to, and eat and drink only small amounts to minimise the risk of vomiting.

If they do not wish to sleep then they should not be left alone until fully awake and co-operative. They should not have other sedative medicines for the next 24 hours and should be closely supervised during the time they are awake.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting Excess saliva Hallucinations Random movements Rash (short lasting)
• Agitation (with or without hallucinations)
• Nightmares (transient)

These will usually occur soon after the medicine is given, although you should watch for them for 24 hours. It is safe to give your child simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.