Ketamine is one of the most versatile medications in oral and maxillofacial surgery, but its unique effects come with important considerations. In this episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, Drs. Grant and Jake Stucki continue their “Know Your Drugs” series with a practical look at ketamine, including its history, mechanism of action, indications, and dosing. They discuss its benefits as a dissociative anesthetic, analgesic, and bronchodilator, as well as its ability to preserve spontaneous respiration and airway reflexes. The doctors also explore how low-dose ketamine can complement other sedation medications and reduce opioid requirements, while reviewing potential complications such as hypersalivation, cardiovascular effects, and emergence delirium. They wrap up with practical strategies for minimizing adverse effects, managing airway and other emergencies, and safely incorporating ketamine into an OMS sedation protocol. Tune in for another insightful discussion with the Stucki doctors. Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s drug in our “Know Your Drugs” series: ketamine.Dr. Jake Stucki explains the mechanism of action of ketamine as an NMDA receptor antagonist.Explore the different indications and uses for ketamine in OMS.Dr. Grant Stucki covers typical dosing and practical considerations for ketamine use.Understand ketamine's desired effects, including analgesia, bronchodilation, and preservation of airway reflexes.Explore ketamine's anti-inflammatory properties and other unique effects.Dr. Jake Stucki shares the history of ketamine and why it is often used as an adjunct rather than a sole anesthetic.Review the undesired effects and potential complications of ketamine.Discuss the factors associated with emergence delirium and ways to minimize it.Explore ketamine’s effect on the seizure threshold.Learn what to keep in mind when combining ketamine with other sedative medications.Review the management of airway complications, cardiovascular effects, and other ketamine-related emergencies.A quick look at the Vargo Anesthesia Mega App (available on Google Play and the App Store). Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Jake Stucki on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-stucki-ab19a593/ Dr. Jake Stucki — https://www.southglennmoderndentistry.com/meet-our-team/team-member.jake-stucki-staff-id-45490/ The Most Dangerous Sedative in OMS Sedation (with Dr. Steve Yun, M.D, Anesthesiologist) — https://www.buzzsprout.com/1404670/episodes/17300447-the-most-dangerous-sedative-in-oms-sedation-with-dr-steve-yun-m-d-anesthesiologist.mp3 Anesthesia Topics: Using beta blockers with ketamine, nitrous oxide as an adjunct to sedation, advising patients on which medications to take prior to sedation, and treating patients with kidney failure (with Dr. Dallen Mill, Anesthesiologist) — https://www.buzzsprout.com/1404670/episodes/14669197-anesthesia-topics-using-beta-blockers-with-ketamine-nitrous-oxide-as-an-adjunct-to-sedation-advising-patients-on-which-medications-to-take-prior-to-sedation-and-treating-patients-with-kidney-failure-with-dr-dal.mp3 Vargo Anesthesia Mega App — https://www.vargoanesthesia.com/apps/mega-app/ Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059