【Abstract】Background Ketamine is a kind of intravenous anaesthetics, which occupies a unique niche in infantile anesthesiology. But the side effects restricted the use of ketamine. While in the past few years, ketamine was reported to have several new clinically beneficial properties such as prevention of hyperalgesia, neuroprotection, anti-depression, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory and so on. Objective We bring together the recent studies on non-anesthetic use of ketamine. Content This article review the analgesic effect of ketamine, especial its use and mechanism in chronic pain, put importance on the introduction of neuroprotection effect, anti-depression effect, anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory effect. Trend To provide new ideas for the use of ketamine on clinic.