What is ketamine primarily classified as?

Ketamine is primarily classified as a general anesthetic due to its unique properties that facilitate surgical procedures and pain management. It is commonly used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, particularly in emergency situations where rapid onset is crucial. Ketamine works by acting mainly as an NMDA receptor antagonist, which leads to a trance-like state that provides analgesia, amnesia, and immobility in the patient.

While ketamine also has analgesic effects and is sometimes used for pain management, its primary indication in medical practice is as an anesthetic. This distinguishes it from other classes, making the classification as a general anesthetic the most accurate. Its dissociative properties allow patients to undergo procedures while appearing to be awake but are effectively disconnected from the environment, which is characteristic of general anesthesia.