Objective: In the context of the current opioid epidemic, there has been a renewed interest in the use of ketamine as an analgesic agent.
Methods: We reviewed ketamine analgesia.
Results: Ketamine is well-known as an antagonist for N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. In addition, it can regulate the function of opioid receptors and sodium channels. Ketamine also increases signaling through α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors. These myriad of molecular and cellular mechanisms are responsible for a number of pharmacological functions including pain relief and mood regulation. Clinically, a number of studies have investigated the role of ketamine in the setting of acute and chronic pain, and there is evidence that ketamine can provide analgesia in a variety of pain syndromes.
Discussion: In this review, we examined basic mechanisms of ketamine and its current clinical use and potential novel use in pain management.