etomidate
Last reviewed 01/2018
Etomidate is an intravenous anaesthetic agent used primarily for induction. It is a carboxylated imidazole derivative. Its advantages include:
- rapid recovery without "hangover" effect
- cardiovascularly stable:
- suitable for elderly patients
- little cardiovascular depression in shocked patients
- little histamine release
Disadvantages include:
- high rate of emesis
- injection can cause pain
- increased muscular activity and myotonia following injection
- repeated doses can suppress adrenal function