Ketamine — paediatric dose

Weight-based dosing for Ketamine in children. Category: Sedation.

Clinical notes

Preserves airway/BP. Bronchodilator. Emergence phenomena.

IV 1–2 mg/kg; IM 4–5 mg/kg. That is 1–2 mg/kg per dose.

The maximum single dose is 150 mg. Weight-based calculation should never exceed this ceiling.

Ketamine is given by IV.

Reviewed by Dr Santanu Ghosh — MBBS, MD Paediatrics (Army), IDPCCM (IAP, ICH Kolkata). Paediatrician and paediatric critical care specialist.

Compiled from standard paediatric references. Verify against a current formulary and your local protocol.

Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page — corrections from clinicians are welcome and are reviewed before any change is published.

Last reviewed 2026-08-12.