Abstract
Ketamine is a versatile anesthetic agent that has been in use since the Vietnam War. Its popularity grew in war time due to its unique pharmacological properties, yet its use dwindled because of some of its adverse effects. However, in specialty areas, ketamine remains the drug of choice and its benefit far outweighs its risk. In our review, we outline the history of ketamine, its pharmacological properties, and its modern applications in various arenas.