Vitamin K, the street name for ketamine hydrochloride, is a rapid-acting anesthetic used to induce anesthesia for surgeries or procedures without affecting skeletal muscles. Primarily manufactured as a clear liquid, ketamine forms a white to off-white powder with the liquid removed and is sold on the street under a variety of names. There is no connection between ketamine hydrochloride and vitamin K, phylloquinone, necessary for normal clotting in humans.
History
Ketamine hydrochloride, designed in 1962 and advertised as a general anesthetic, gained authorization for human use in 1970, according to the University of Maryland. With the war in Vietnam, it was used on the battlefield as an anesthetic. Initial abuse began on the West Coast and grew during the 1970s and continues today. Within the field of veterinary medicine, ketamine is used as an anesthetic, but with the downside of increased robberies to obtain the drug illegally.
Side Effects
Ketamine, classified as a dissociative anesthetic, blocks signals to the brain and alters perception of painful sensations. Adverse effects, dosage dependent, include drowsiness, hallucinations, nausea and sensations of disconnection from your body. A hazardous effect, "K-hole," results from a large dose that may cause decreased respiration, nausea and vomiting. Ketamine's use as a "date rape" drug induces helplessness and confusion, causing loss of coordination, visual disturbances, weakness and numbness, according to the University of Maryland.
Toxicology
The route of administration of ketamine for street use varies but includes injection, intranasal and oral. Ketamine hydrochloride is quickly absorbed into the body tissues, and the end-product of metabolism can be measured with drug analysis. Toxicology screening reflects that 91 percent is removed in the urine and 3 percent in stool. Levels are also noted in the blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid within one hour after use, according to LabelDataPlus.com.
Criminal Aspects
Ketamine hydrochloride goes by a variety of names on the street, including cat Valium, Vitamin K, Special K, K, Green, Purple, Mauve, Special LA Coke, Jet, Super Acid, Super K and Ketaset. It is used in beverages, smoking substances and as an injection, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and common users are young adults and teens. The DEA indicates pharmacy diversions from Mexico are the primary sources for the United States.
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