Needle-less procedural sedation / sedation for imaging:
“After extensive discussion with the patient’s parents and NICU staff, the PPM service recommended oral administration of intravenous ketamine (10 mg?mL, Monarch Pharmaceuticals) at a starting dose of 0.5 mg (0.125 mg?kg?dose). Over 4 days, the dose was titrated to 3 mg (0.75 mg ? kg ? dose) in response to observed effect. At 15 minutes after a dose of 3 mg of ketamine, the patient was able to tolerate her dressing change without crying or resisting for 45 minutes (Figs. 1 and 2). Her ability to feed afterward was preserved. No effects on depth or rate of respiration were noted.”
Saroyan et al, Pediatric Dermatology 26:6 Nov/Dec 2009 764-766.