Ketamine on Acute Pain in Females and Males

Effect of Racemic Ketamine on Pain in Females and Males After Surgical Removal of Third Molars

The purpose of the study is to determine whether equal subanesthetic doses of racemic ketamine is equally effective on females and males after surgical removal of third molars

Ketamine is assumed to be a NMDA receptor antagonist which provides analgesia from acute postoperative pain(and other types of pain) subanesthetic doses. Gender differences in ketamine analgesia are not known. This placebo-controlled,randomised, parallel group study investigates the analgesic dose-response effect of ketamine in subanesthetic doses in female and male patients following surgical removal of third molars.

Comparisons: Placebo and ketamine in females and males.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Indication for removal of third molar
• Between 20 and 30 years of age
• ASA Class 1

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychiatric family (father/mother) or own anamnestic history
• Hypersensitivity towards NSAIDS or other rescue analgesics
• Verified or suspected pregnancy
• Lactating females
• Surgery lasting over 60 min