The Case of Ketamine Allergy

Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2017 Oct 3;1(4):323-325. doi: 10.5811/cpcem.2017.7.34405. eCollection 2017 Nov.

Abstract

Ketamine is often used for pediatric procedural sedation due to low rates of complications, with allergic reactions being rare. Immediately following intramuscular (IM) ketamine administration, a three-year-old female rapidly developed facial edema and diffuse urticarial rash, with associated wheezing and oxygen desaturation. Symptoms resolved following treatment with epinephrine, dexamethasone and diphenhydramine. This case presents a clinical reaction to ketamine consistent with anaphylaxis due to histamine release, but it is uncertain whether this was immunoglobulin E mediated. This is the only case reported to date of allergic reaction to IM ketamine, without co-administration of other agents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports