Could ketamine be a better sedative for ICU patients? new trial launches
NCT ID NCT06767358
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Hamilton Health Sciences
Hamilton, Ontario, L8V1C3, Canada
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Mount Sinai Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, M5G1X5, Canada
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 4A6, Canada
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••