What is the duration of effect for Ketamine when given intravenously?

The duration of effect for Ketamine when administered intravenously is typically in the range of 5 to 10 minutes. This duration is understood in the context of Ketamine's rapid onset and short duration of action, making it particularly useful for procedures that require a quick sedative effect with prompt recovery.

Ketamine acts on the NMDA receptors in the brain, allowing for its anesthetic and dissociative properties to manifest quickly. This characteristic is especially beneficial in situations where the sedation must be short-lived, making Ketamine a favorable choice for many outpatient procedures and in emergency settings.

Patients usually regain consciousness relatively quickly after the infusion has stopped, which is an important consideration for clinicians when deciding on an anesthetic or sedative agent, particularly in procedures that do not require prolonged sedation.