Perioperative Ketamine: Mechanisms, Dosing Principles, and Safe Clinical Use

June 10, 2026

Ketamine has re-emerged as a potential tool in perioperative pain management due to its unique pharmacologic profile and opioid‑sparing benefits. This one-hour continuing education presentation provides healthcare professionals with an evidence-based overview of ketamine’s mechanism of action, clinical applications, and safe dosing strategies in the perioperative setting. Participants will explore ketamine’s role as an analgesic, its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, and practical guidance for appropriate patient selection. The session will also review contraindications, monitoring considerations, and current best practices to promote safe and effective use in multimodal analgesia programs.

Target Audience

This application-based course is intended for Pharmacists (ACPE), Pharmacy Technicians (ACPE), Physicians (ACCME), Physician Assistants (ACCME), Nurse Practitioners (ABN), Dentists (BDEA), Nurses (ABN), Social Workers (ABSWE).   

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  1. Explain the mechanism of action of ketamine, including its effects on NMDA receptors and implications for analgesia and anesthesia.
  2. Identify appropriate dosing strategies for ketamine in perioperative pain management, including bolus and infusion ranges commonly used in multimodal analgesia.
  3. Recognize key indications and contraindications for perioperative ketamine use, including patient populations likely to benefit and those for whom ketamine is not recommended.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.20 ABN
    Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy is a board-approved provider of continuing nursing education in Alabama by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Provider Number: ABNP1515
  • 1.00 ABSWE
  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy
    Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education; credits are recognized nationwide.
  • 1.00 ACPE Technician
    Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education; credits are recognized nationwide.
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 BDEA
Course opens: 
01/02/2023
Course expires: 
01/02/2026
Event starts: 
06/10/2026 - 12:00pm CDT
Event ends: 
06/10/2026 - 1:00pm CDT
Cost:
$0.00
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Program Packet - Coming Soon 

Live Webinar
United States

Participants will be provided the webinar link once enrolled in the course by accessing the course content under 'Take Course' - Course Instructions and Course Material. Please use this link to join the live webinar at the scheduled time. All registered participants will also receive an email the day before the program with program information, including the webinar link. 

Christopher A. Godlewski is a highly qualified Anesthesiology specialist serving patients in Birmingham, AL. With a distinguished medical career spanning since 2004, Dr. Godlewski brings exceptional expertise and compassionate care to every patient interaction. Dr. Godlewski earned his medical degree from University Of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston, establishing a strong foundation in medical science and patient care.He is board-certified in Anesthesiology, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice. Currently practicing at University Of Alabama Hospital, Dr. Godlewski provides comprehensive anesthesiology services to the Birmingham community and surrounding areas.

Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education; credits are recognized nationwide. The Universal Activity Number for this application-based program is 0001-0000-25-0XX-L01-P and is intended for Pharmacists (ACPE), Pharmacy Technicians (ACPE), Physicians (ACCME), Physician Assistants (ACCME), Nurse Practitioners (ABN), Dentists (BDEA), Nurses (ABN), Social Workers (ABSWE).   

ABN - Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy is a Board-approved provider of continuing nursing education in Alabama by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Provider Number: ABNP1515.

ABSWE - Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy is a Board-approved provider of continuing education for social workers by the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners. Provider Number: 0643.

 

Disclosures: No commercial support is received for this program. Presenter Name(s) and others in control of content have no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program. No individuals in a position to control content for this activity have any relevant financial relationships to declare.

Available Credit

  • 1.20 ABN
    Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy is a board-approved provider of continuing nursing education in Alabama by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Provider Number: ABNP1515
  • 1.00 ABSWE
  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy
    Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education; credits are recognized nationwide.
  • 1.00 ACPE Technician
    Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education; credits are recognized nationwide.
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 BDEA

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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