Oman medical journal
-
Oman medical journal · Jan 2015
The effect of low-dose intravenous ketamine on postoperative pain following cesarean section with spinal anesthesia: a randomized clinical trial.
Low-dose ketamine has been considered a good substitute for opioids for controlling postoperative pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of low-dose intravenous ketamine following cesarean section with spinal anesthesia on postoperative pain and its potential complications. ⋯ We conclude that administration of low doses of ketamine after spinal anesthesia reduces the need for analgesics and has fewer side effects than using opioids. Further studies are required to determine the proper dose of ketamine which offers maximum analgesic effect. Furthermore, administration of low-dose ketamine in combination with other medications in order to minimize its side effects warrants further investigation.