In which demographic is ketamine contraindicated?

Ketamine is ultimately contraindicated in specific populations due to the potential for exacerbating certain medical conditions or causing harm to the patient or fetus. In the case of pregnant women, it is recognized that ketamine can cross the placental barrier and potentially affect fetal development. It carries a risk of causing both short-term and long-term effects on the fetus, including potential issues like neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Thus, the recommendation is to avoid ketamine use in pregnant patients, making this demographic particularly sensitive to its effects.

In contrast, while it may be necessary to exercise caution when administering ketamine to patients with hypertension, it is not universally contraindicated. Each patient's specific clinical circumstances and overall health must be considered. Topics like diabetes, hypertension, and the pediatric population can be managed with adequate monitoring and precautions, therefore they do not warrant a definitive contraindication status.