Etomidate

AMIDATE

Open Etomidate in the interactive console ↗

What it isGABA-A positive modulator; induction of anesthesia.

Why this oneIts hemodynamic stability makes it a common induction choice in shock or major cardiac disease.

What limits itIt suppresses adrenal steroidogenesis after even a single dose, which is why continuous infusion was abandoned. Myoclonus and injection pain.

FDA-approved for

induction of anesthesia (1983)

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Induction of anesthesia	adult & pediatric >10 years	0.3 mg/kg IV over 30-60 sec	0.2-0.6 mg/kg IV	0.6 mg/kg IV
Induction of anesthesia	geriatric	reduced dose	individualized

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Instructions

Intravenous route only
Individualize dose
Do not use unless solution is clear and container undamaged; discard unused portion
Not recommended below age 10 years

Cautions

Transient venous pain on injection
Transient skeletal muscle movements / myoclonus

Adverse reactions

Transient venous pain on injection (~20%)
Transient skeletal muscle movements incl. myoclonus (~32%)

Pregnancy No adequate studies; animal studies show fetal deaths/reduced pup survival; anesthetics blocking NMDA / potentiating GABA may increase neuronal apoptosis in developing brain with prolonged use.

Lactation Undefined

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Principal riskAdrenal suppression after even a single dose