Episode 120. Ketamine for Benzodiazepine-Resistant Status Epilepticus – A Game-Changer?

In this episode of The Pharm So Hard Emergency Medicine Podcast, host Jimmy Pruitt, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, BCEMP dives deep into an exciting new study exploring ketamine as a rescue agent for benzodiazepine-resistant status epilepticus. Traditionally, managing refractory seizures often requires intubation, high-dose propofol, or other antiepileptics. But could ketamine provide rapid and effective seizure control in these critical moments?

Jimmy discusses key findings from the study, practical implications for the ED, and how this data could influence your choice of induction agents during intubation. Plus, he shares valuable clinical pearls and caveats when considering ketamine use in different patient populations.

00:00 Introduction

02:16 The Clinical Dilemma: Benzodiazepine-Resistant Status Epilepticus

03:39 Introducing the Study: Ketamine as a Rescue Drug

05:16 Key Findings: Rapid Seizure Termination

06:05 Safety and Dosing Insights

06:42 Clinical Implications: Ketamine in ED Practice

07:05 Caveats and Patient Populations

07:55 Conclusion