Nasal spray ketamine/dexmedetomidine for pain relief

Abstract

Studies have consistently shown that ketamine and dexmedetomidine infusions on their own provide good and safe analgesia, decrease opioid requirements and can increase the pain-free period during the postoperative recovery. A combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine may prevent adverse events associated with Ketamine use such as tachycardia, hypertension, salivation, as well as reduce anxiety from ketamine, whereas ketamine may prevent the bradycardia and hypotension, which has been reported with dexmedetomidine. What is more, IN is an attractive needle-free sedative option where IV access is unnecessary or may be deferred until sedation is achieved. Both ketamine and dexmedetomidine are efficacious and well tolerated when provided as an IN preparation. To our knowledge, however, very few studies have examined a combined formulation. This study will therefore seek evaluate the sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects of combined dexmedetomidine and ketamine when administered via the nasal route in healthy adults.