Letters to the Editor

Abstract

Keto-fusionTo the Editor, The recent report of inadvertent administration of ketamine instead of the intended ketorolac contains more than one error. 1 Assuming that the original order was for ketorolac 30 mg intravenously, the dose is three times in excess of that usually recommended and ketorolac is not approved for intravenous use in Australia.It is fascinating that this relatively small dose of ketamine (30 mg) had much effect at all. Certainly transient apnoea can occur with anaesthetic doses (1-2 mg/kg) but a true respiratory arrest is an extremely unlikely event. After all, one of the great benefits of this drug is that upper airway reflexes and respiratory function are generally maintained even though the patient is anaesthetised.