Rescue sedation
Rarely, when immediate control of the situation is required, and first-line intramuscular sedative drugs have failed to control the situation, intramuscular ketamine can be considered for rescue sedation. This is in addition to the initial sedative drug used. There is a high risk of airway compromise requiring intubation if intramuscular sedatives are used in combination—always seek advice from a senior clinician and ensure that appropriate expertise and equipment are available.
If rescue sedation is required for a child use:
ketamine 2 to 4 mg/kg up to 400 mg intramuscularly, as a single dose. acute severe behavioural disturbance, child ketamine
Always monitor the patient closely for potential adverse effects after administering an intramuscular sedative drug.