After nearly half a century on the market, ketamine still occupies a unique corner in the medical armamentarium of anesthesiologists
or clinicians treating pain. Over the last two decades, much research has been conducted highlighting the drug’s mechanisms
of action, specifically those of its enantiomers. Nowadays, ketamine is also being utilized for pediatric pain control in emergency
department, with its anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects being revealed in acute and chronic pain management. Recently,
new insights have been gained on ketamine’s potential anti-depressive and antisuicidal effects. This article provides an overview of
the drug’s pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics while also discussing the potential benefits and risks of ketamine administration
in various clinical settings