Imidazole derivative anesthetic and hypnotic with little effect on blood gases, ventilation, or the cardiovascular system. It has been proposed as an induction anesthetic. [PubChem]
Indication
Used in the induction of general anesthesia.
Pharmacology
Etomidate is a non-barbiturate hypnotic that acts at the level of the reticular-activating system to produce anesthesia. Etomidate is an imidazole compound that appears to depress CNS function via GABA. Duration of action is intermediate between thiopental and methohexital, and recovery from a single dose is rapid with little residual depression. Like the barbiturates and propofol, etomidate is does not induce analgesia. Etomidate induces unconsciousness within one circulation time. Recovery is rapid as a result of extensive redistribution and rapid metabolism.
Toxicity
Undesirable side effects of etomidate that may limit its use include pain on injection, myoclonus and adrenocortical suppression lasting 4-6 hours following an induction dose.
Affected Organisms
Humans and other mammals
Biotransformation
Hepatic. Metabolized rapidly by ester hydrolysis to inactive metabolites.
Half Life
75 minutes.
Protein Binding
76%, primarily to serum albumin.
Elimination
Approximately 75% of the administered dose is excreted in the urine during the first day after injection.
Research Area: Neurological Disease Biological Activity: Etomidate is a GABAA receptors agonist at GABAA receptors . Etomidate is a short acting intravenous anaesthetic agent used for the induction of general anaesthesia and for sedation for short procedures such as reduction of dislocated joints and cardioversion. [1]
