Drug Ketamine SCDO:1000450 Sufficient NCIT:C61797 A cyclohexanone derivative with analgesic and anesthetic properties. Although its mechanism of action is not well understood, ketamine appears exerts complex pharmacological actions including inhibition of biogenic amine uptake, binding to opioid receptors, and inhibition of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Because of the involvement of spinal NMDA receptors in the process of central sensitization, this agent may reduce pain perception and induce sedation.