ClearSpring Pharmacy Horizontal Logo

Ketamine Cream

Compounded Topical Ketamine

Studies have shown ketamine to be a beneficial remedy when seeking pain relief. This medication, however, is only available from a compounding pharmacy. Topical ketamine is a cream or gel compounded to contain the active ingredient (ketamine) and components to ensure the proper consistency and delivery of the medication. People with chronic pain problems such as neuropathic pain, complicated regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and fibromyalgia will often seek out alternative methods for pain relief. Not everyone tolerates or responds well to traditional methods, and topical ketamine provides an additional option for patients.

Are there Side Effects?

Traditional orally prescribed medications can come with a multitude of side effects. You may find pain relief, but you may also find other unwanted side effects. These include drowsiness, head fog, and even stomach ulcers.

On the other side, however, ketamine creams do not induce any of these side effects. This is because there is a low absorption rate into the bloodstream when applied topically. Most of the medicinal properties target the area where it is administered, so you can avoid brain fog, dizziness, and other mental side effects.

While side effects are minimal, it is possible to have skin irritation around the area of application.

How to Use Ketamine Cream

Using ketamine cream is very simple. You can use it like any other analgesic or pain-relieving cream. Simply take the proper dosage amount and gently massage it into the area where you are experiencing pain. It can be applied every 4-6 hours. Ketamine cream is generally used in this manner, but it is important to use as directed by your healthcare provider.

A Multiple Medication Approach (Polypharmacy)

Topical ketamine is commonly compounded with additional medications to help provide pain relief. When we take a multimodal approach, we can find better success when addressing pain. Each active ingredient takes a different approach to address pain. Ketamine is often compounded alongside other medications including:

  • Muscle relaxers
  • Anti-inflammatory agents
  • Numbing agents

Muscle Relaxers + Ketamine

The most common muscle relaxer used in this compound is cyclobenzaprine. Muscle relaxers are frequently used when treating pain. This is because relaxing the muscle and allowing it to soften up will give it a better chance to heal. If your muscle is tense and callous, it will be more difficult to heal from injury.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents + Ketamine

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are used in conjunction with ketamine in order to address pain. These include ketoprofen and flurbiprofen. Similar to muscle relaxers, the goal of anti-inflammatory ingredients is to stop the muscle from tensing up and give it a better chance to heal.

Numbing Agents + Ketamine

Numbing agents are often used to reduce pain from sensitive nerve endings. These nerve endings may have become agitated from injury. They are more commonly used for situations such as advanced diabetes and post-surgery pain relief.

Which Combination is Best?

Your doctor and pharmacist will work together to understand your unique situation in order to determine the best way to address the pain. This is based on symptoms, type of pain, and area of pain. It is also important to take into account the reason for the pain. Common causes include:

  • Auto accidents
  • Surgery
  • Sleeping incorrectly
  • Sports injuries
  • Diabetes
  • Or just old age

Topical ketamine compounds can be used to help with physical therapy when recovering from injuries.

Life-Changing Pain Relief

The prime goal for a compounded ketamine cream is to provide a pain-free lifestyle for our patients. Finding pain relief without the common side effects of most orally ingested narcotics can be profoundly impactful. Patients have given us the feedback that they feel as if they’ve “been given their life back.” Experiencing pain relief without a foggy head, total body numbness, or even negatively affecting your liver, kidneys, and stomach can be life-altering.

Please contact us at our Littleton or Denver locations. We are always delighted to assist! Alternatively, fill out the form on this page and we will respond as soon as possible. You can also quickly text our pharmacy with any questions you may have:

Cherry Creek: 303-333-2010
Littleton: 303-707-1500

You can also contact us via any of our social media sites. We make it simple to connect!

Citations