What type of medication is Ketamine classified as?

Ketamine is classified as a nonbarbiturate anesthetic, which means that it is used primarily for its anesthetic properties rather than as a sedative or analgesic in the traditional sense. As a nonbarbiturate, it belongs to a class of medications that do not include barbiturates, which have historically been used for sedation and anesthesia. Ketamine acts by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, leading to dissociation and analgesic effects. This makes it effective for inducing anesthesia and providing pain relief during medical procedures, especially in emergency and combat settings where rapid action is required.

While it also has analgesic properties, its main classification is that of a nonbarbiturate anesthetic, distinguishing it from opioids, other anesthetics, or sedative-hypnotics. This unique classification highlights its functionality and differentiates it from medications that might primarily serve as sedatives or specific analgesic agents.