Using ketamine to reduce pain during minor procedures

Intranasal Ketamine as a Supplement to Local Anesthesia to Reduce Pain Associated With Minor Procedures in the Emergency Department

Phase 4 Interventional Loyola University · NCT06284473

This study is testing if using a nasal spray of ketamine can help reduce pain during minor procedures in the emergency department for people aged 7 to under 70.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment108 (estimated)
Ages7 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorLoyola University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Maywood, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06284473 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of intranasal ketamine as a supplement to local anesthesia for pain management during minor procedures in the emergency department. Participants, aged 7 to under 70, will be randomly assigned to receive either ketamine or a saline placebo alongside standard local anesthesia. The primary goal is to compare pain scores between the two groups using a numerical rating scale, while secondary outcomes will assess agitation in adults and alertness in children. This approach aims to improve patient comfort and procedural experiences in the ED.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults and children aged 7 to less than 70 who are undergoing minor procedures in the emergency department.

Not a fit: Patients with altered mental status, pregnancy, or a history of psychiatric illness may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective pain management option for patients undergoing minor procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that sub-dissociative doses of ketamine can effectively manage pain, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Undergoing Minor Procedure in the ED
* Weight not to exceed 115kg

Exclusion Criteria:

* Altered Mental Status
* Pregnancy
* Breastfeeding
* Acute head or eye injury
* Intercranial Hypertension
* Hx of seizures
* Hx of chronic pain
* Unstable vital signs
* Allergy to Ketamine
* Hepatic or Renal Insufficiency
* Hx of Psychiatric Illness
* Hx of alcohol/drug abuse

Where this trial is running

Maywood, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pain, ProceduralMinor LacerationAbscessIN KetamineSub-dissociative doseMinor procedure
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.