Allergic reaction induced by subcutaneous administration of ketamine: a case report.

ABSTRACT

Ketamine can be used for depression and suicidal ideation due to its effectiveness and low complication rates; moreover, allergic reactions are rare. Immediately after subcutaneous (SC) ketamine administration, a 22-year-old man rapidly developed hives on the trunk and face without oxygen desaturation. Symptoms disappeared after treatment with prednisolone. This case presents an allergic reaction to ketamine compatible with mast cell activation and release of preformed mediators, without being able to prove whether the event was mediated by immunoglobulin E. This is the only case reported to date of an allergic reaction to SC ketamine for psychiatric treatment.