Comparing ketamine and morphine for treating acute pain in children.

Efficacy of intravenous sub-dissociative ketamine versus intravenous morphine in children with acute pain.

['FUNDING_U01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10990856

This study is looking at whether a lower dose of ketamine can help kids in the emergency room feel better from pain compared to morphine, with the goal of finding a safer and more effective way to treat their pain.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_U01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10990856 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of intravenous sub-dissociative ketamine compared to intravenous morphine for managing acute pain in children visiting emergency departments. The study aims to address the common issue of inadequate pain treatment in pediatric patients, which can lead to both immediate and long-term consequences. By using sub-dissociative doses of ketamine, the research seeks to provide a safer alternative to morphine, which is often associated with serious side effects. The study will evaluate pain relief outcomes and the potential for reducing long-term complications related to acute pain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0 to 17 years experiencing acute pain, particularly those presenting to emergency departments.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain conditions or those who are not experiencing acute pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective pain management option for children in emergency settings.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that sub-dissociative doses of ketamine can be effective and safe for pain management in adults, suggesting potential success in pediatric applications.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.