Ketamine Analgesic NMDA — FRCA Primary MCQ

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HardPharmacology - AnalgesicsKetamine Analgesic NMDAFRCA Primary

At subanaesthetic doses, ketamine’s analgesic effect is primarily associated with which receptor action?

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Correct answer: D — Non-competitive antagonism of NMDA glutamate receptors

The best answer is “Non-competitive antagonism of NMDA glutamate receptors”. Ketamine’s analgesic effect is primarily associated with NMDA-receptor antagonism, which reduces excitatory glutamatergic transmission and central sensitisation. It has additional actions, but it is not principally an alpha-2 agonist, sodium-channel blocker, GABA-A enhancer or mu-opioid agonist.

Reference: Ketamine 50 mg/mL injection, Summary of Product Characteristics: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/100814/smpc