Pedraz J L, Lanao J M, Calvo M B, Muriel C, Hernández-Arbeiza J, Domínguez-Gil A
Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1987 Feb;25(2):77-80.
The evolution of the plasma levels of ketamine and its two biotransformation products, norketamine (metabolite I) and dehydronorketamine (metabolite II) was studied after i.v. and epidural administration at doses of 2 and 5 mg/kg, respectively. The results show a good access capacity of ketamine from the epidural space to the systemic circulation as reflected in the high value of its apparent incorporation constant (ka = 5.54 +/- 2.33 h-1) and its good bioavailability (F = 0.77 +/- 0.22). The evaluation of clinical parameters points to a more attenuated cardiovascular and respiratory response after administration of the anesthetic by the epidural route.
