Norketamine half-life

Norketamine is modeled as a measured ketamine metabolite, not as a second name for ketamine.

Category: dissociative-metabolite · Updated: August 7, 2026

Sources and model notes are maintained by . This page is educational, not clinical guidance. Corrections: admin@halflifedb.co.

Model status4 hNorketamine · same-day representative value
Reported rangeNot displayedPublished when the current evidence record supports a readable range
Model scopeRelative declineNormalized first-order model, not an in-body concentration estimate
References3Linked studies, labels, reviews, or identity records described below
Relative starting point
100%

Every curve begins at 100%. No dose or measured body concentration is assumed.

0m4h8h12h16h20h0%25%50%75%100%X-axis: elapsed timeY-axis: amount remaining (%)

X-axis: elapsed time. Y-axis: modeled percentage of the relative starting point remaining. This is a mathematical visualization, not a personal concentration estimate.

Modeled remaining: 50.0%Half-life used: 4 h

Norketamine: evidence and interpretation notes

What the representative value means

Norketamine is modeled as a measured ketamine metabolite, not as a second name for ketamine. Human population modeling shows multi-compartment behavior and enantiomer differences that a four-hour line can only summarize.

The visual model centers on Norketamine at 4 hours. Nothing in the calculation adjusts for dose history, organ function, interactions, tolerance, or a study’s sampling method.

Norketamine is a metabolite entry, so its interpretation depends on ketamine exposure as well as its own formation and elimination.

The 4 hour value gives the metabolite a separate curve. That helps readers see why parent and metabolite timelines can differ.

The citations include ketamine metabolite pharmacology, a model-based analysis of ketamine and major metabolites, and the compound record.

This page does not model the full ketamine metabolic network or clinical effects.

For Norketamine, the entry is metabolite-centered by design. It is useful for seeing why a metabolite can have its own timeline after the parent compound has already started declining.

What each source contributes

  • Zanos P et al. Ketamine and ketamine metabolite pharmacology (2018). This metabolism study identifies pathways, metabolites, or analytical targets and does not by itself create a complete human concentration-time curve.
  • Peltoniemi MA et al. Pharmacokinetics of ketamine and major metabolites: model-based analysis (2020). This metabolism study identifies pathways, metabolites, or analytical targets and does not by itself create a complete human concentration-time curve.
  • PubChem: Norketamine. This identity record confirms names and compound identity and does not supply a human half-life.

For Norketamine, the numerical model is tied most closely to Zanos P et al. Ketamine and ketamine metabolite pharmacology (2018). As a metabolism study, it identifies pathways, metabolites, or analytical targets; it does not by itself create a complete human concentration-time curve.

Why there is no range on the chart

This profile plots 4 hours for Norketamine without adding an unsourced high-low band. A single supported center is more honest than manufacturing a range from unrelated routes, populations, or formulations.

InterpretationReading the curve and its category context

Reading this curve

HalfLifeDB uses 4 h as a representative input for Norketamine. In the simplified model, about 1.6% remains after 24 hours and about 3% remains after five half-lives, or roughly 20 h.

This sits in the same-day range. The chart is useful for seeing the bend of the curve across a day or two, but it should not be treated as a personal clock. The curve is relative: it does not estimate a person's measured concentration, effects, impairment, or time to clearance.

dissociative metabolite context

Dissociative metabolite entries are included to keep parent-compound and metabolite timelines separate, which is essential when effects and analytes do not move together.

  • A metabolite curve should not be substituted for the parent-compound curve.
  • Subjective duration and metabolite persistence are separate questions.
  • Source notes should identify what was actually measured.
ComparisonTimeline checkpoints and nearby profiles

Norketamine timeline checkpoints

Elapsed timeModeled remainingReading note
6 h35.4%Meaningful modeled decline, not near-zero
12 h12.5%Long-tail portion of the model
24 h1.56%Low modeled remainder, not a clearance guarantee
2.0 days0.02%Low modeled remainder, not a clearance guarantee
3.0 days0.00%Low modeled remainder, not a clearance guarantee

Nearby profiles by half-life

These entries sit near Norketamine within the dissociative metabolite group when sorted by representative half-life. That makes them curve comparisons, not statements about equal potency, effects, or risk.

No nearby published profiles are available in this category.

EvidencePharmacokinetic inputs and source trail

Pharmacokinetics at a glance

Representative half-life4 h
Curve typeNormalized, first-order decline

Selection note: Norketamine is modeled as a measured ketamine metabolite, not as a second name for ketamine. Human population modeling shows multi-compartment behavior and enantiomer differences that a four-hour line can only summarize.

Sources and evidence context

A linked record is not automatically proof of the displayed value. Study, labeling, review, and compound identity sources serve different purposes; notes below identify limitations when they are known.

2 PubMed0 PMC0 DailyMed1 PubChem
  1. Research abstract Zanos P et al. Ketamine and ketamine metabolite pharmacology (2018).
    Metabolism-focused evidence used to identify pathways or analytes. It does not automatically establish a population half-life.
  2. Research abstract Peltoniemi MA et al. Pharmacokinetics of ketamine and major metabolites: model-based analysis (2020).
    Metabolism-focused evidence used to identify pathways or analytes. It does not automatically establish a population half-life.
  3. Identity record PubChem Compound Summary: Norketamine.
    Compound identity and naming record. It supplies chemistry context, not independent numerical support for the model.
BoundariesWhat this page cannot answer and where to continue

What this page does not answer

  • It does not estimate impairment, intoxication, or fitness to drive.
  • It does not predict urine, blood, saliva, or hair test results.
  • It does not model repeated exposure, tolerance, withdrawal, or interactions.
  • It does not replace clinician, pharmacist, toxicologist, or emergency guidance.

Continue with context

Read the medical disclaimer, methodology, and research standards before using the model for comparison.