Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 4 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using low-dose ketamine to relieve pain during burn wound care

Official title: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Evaluation of Low-Dose Ketamine Infusion During Burn Wound Care Procedures to Improve Pain Intensity and Reduce Opioid Consumption

Run by University of Tennessee · NCT06506565 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if low-dose ketamine can help relieve pain better than standard opioid treatments during wound care for people with burn injuries.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment140 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Tennessee
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Memphis, Tennessee)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 8, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 2025
Study endsDecember 2025
Registry record updatedDecember 13, 2024
Trial IDNCT06506565 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults admitted to the burn service with thermal injuries who can consent and report their pain levels.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are under 18, pregnant, incarcerated, or have contraindications to ketamine will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of low-dose ketamine infusions during wound care for patients with burn injuries. The aim is to assess whether ketamine can provide better pain relief compared to the current standard of care, which primarily relies on opioids like fentanyl and midazolam. By potentially reducing opioid use and minimizing adverse effects, this approach seeks to improve patient comfort during painful procedures. Participants will receive ketamine alongside saline during their treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management for burn patients while reducing reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with ketamine for pain management, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Admitted to burn service with thermal injury

Exclusion Criteria:

* unable/unwilling to consent within 72 hours
* unable to report NRS
* known contraindication to ketamine
* \< than 18 years of age
* pregnant
* incarcerated
* TBSA over 50 %

Where it's running

  • Regional One Health
    Memphis, Tennessee, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.