Nasal spray could take the ouch out of ER stitches

NCT ID NCT06284473

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Loyola University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a ketamine nasal spray, given alongside standard numbing medicine, can lower pain during minor procedures like stitching cuts or draining abscesses in the emergency department. About 108 adults and children (ages 7 to under 70) will be randomly assigned to receive either ketamine or a saline placebo spray. Researchers will compare pain scores and monitor for side effects like agitation or drowsiness.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ketamine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safe, non-addictive way to ease pain during minor emergency procedures without strong opioids.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial (108 people) testing a single dose. Ketamine may cause side effects like dizziness or agitation, and the placebo group also receives standard anesthesia, so the added benefit may be small.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

abscess Pain, Procedural

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ABSCESS MINOR LACERATION PAIN, PROCEDURAL

Contacts and locations

Locations

Loyola University Medical Center
RECRUITING

Maywood, Illinois, 60153, United States

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