Why give ketamine intra-muscular?

Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) for its rapid onset and ease of use, especially in emergency or outpatient settings. The IM route allows for a more consistent absorption compared to oral administration, leading to quicker therapeutic effects, particularly in pain management and treatment-resistant depression. Additionally, IM administration can be beneficial when intravenous access is difficult or impractical. Overall, this method provides an effective way to deliver ketamine while minimizing potential side effects associated with other routes.