The Myths of Uncontrolled Emergence Reactions and Consideration to Stop Mandatory, Protocolled Midazolam Coadministration With Ketamine.
Hugh M Hiller, Brendon Drew, Andrew D Fisher, Matthew Cuthrell, James C Spradling
Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals 2022 DOI: 10.55460/pngh-p2ck (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Ketamine Midazolam |
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine |
| Key points | Argues that ketamine is useful and safe in prehospital and austere settings, that routine midazolam co-administration should be avoided because benzodiazepines carry significant morbidity and potential mortality risks, and that agitation and altered mental status associated with ketamine occur mainly during titration of lower pain-control regimens and are less likely at higher doses; the authors propose treating "incomplete dissociation" with more ketamine rather than a benzodiazepine. |
Abstract
Ketamine continues to demonstrate its utility and safety in the austere and prehospital environment, but myths persist regarding the frequency of behavioral disturbances and unpleasant reactions. These myths have led to protocolled midazolam co-administration. Properties of midazolam and other benzodiazepines have the potential to cause significant morbidity and potential mortality. Because of this risk, benzodiazepines should only be administered when the treating provider determines that the patient's symptoms warrant it. We also present evidence that agitation and altered mental status (AMS) encountered with ketamine occurs during titration of lower pain control regimens and is much less likely to occur with higher doses. As such, in most prehospital situations, the treatment for this "incomplete dissociation" is more ketamine, not the addition of a potentially dangerous benzodiazepine.