Drug Groups

approved

Description

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

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.

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