Could ketamine be a better sedative for ICU patients? new trial launches

NCT ID NCT06767358

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: McMaster University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether adding a low-dose ketamine infusion to usual care can improve sedation and pain control for adults on breathing machines in the ICU. About 54 patients across Canadian hospitals will be randomly assigned to receive either ketamine or a placebo, without knowing which they get. The main goal is to see if such a trial is feasible, while also tracking outcomes like time on the ventilator, delirium, and survival.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: ketamine hydrochloride
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a safer, pain-relieving sedation option for ICU patients on ventilators, potentially reducing delirium and narcotic use.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study (54 patients) focused on feasibility, not yet on proving effectiveness. Ketamine may cause side effects like high blood pressure or hallucinations, and results may not apply to all ICU patients.

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.

Critical Illness

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CRITICALLY ILL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PATIENTS MECHANICAL VENTILATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hamilton Health Sciences

Hamilton, Ontario, L8V1C3, Canada
Mount Sinai Hospital

Toronto, Ontario, M5G1X5, Canada
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 4A6, Canada

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