Clinical Pearls
Ketamine in Palliative Care
Tanya J. Uritsky, PharmD BCPS CPE
Refractory pain occurs in 10% to 20% of patients with cancer and presents unique challenges for patients, families, and providers.1 Ketamine is one of the World Health Organization’s essential drugs for the management of refractory pain and has been associated with reduced tolerance and opioid consumption.2 It is important to understand the nuances of this drug, when a trial of ketamine might be indicated, and how to safely and effectively dose and monitor it.