General anesthesia

Cortisol Synthesis Inhibitor; General Anesthetic
1.Ultra-short-acting nonbarbiturate general anesthetic (benzylimidazole) used for rapid induction of anesthesia with minimal cardiovascular effects.
2.Decreases endogenous cortisol synthesis via inhibition of 11-beta-hydroxylase.

1.Onset of action: 30 to 60 seconds
2.Duration: Dose dependent: 2 to 3 minutes (0.15 mg/kg dose); 3 to 5 minutes (0.3 mg/kg dose); rapid recovery is due to rapid redistribution
3.Distribution: Vd: 2 to 4.5 L/kg
4.Protein binding: 76%; decreased protein binding resulting in an increased percentage of “free” etomidate in patients with renal failure or hepatic cirrhosis
5.Metabolism: Hepatic and plasma esterases
6.Half-life elimination: Terminal: 2.6 to 3.5 hours
7.Excretion: Urine ~75% (80% as metabolite; 2% as unchanged drug)

Hypersensitivity to etomidate or any component of the formulation.

Fetal risk cannot be ruled out.

Pain at injection site, Musculoskeletal disease (transient skeletal movements), Nystagmus, Nausea, vomiting

General anesthesia: IV: Initial: 0.3 mg/kg over 30 to 60 seconds for induction of anesthesia; usual dosage range: 0.2 to 0.6 mg/kg.

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use with caution, risk of toxicity is greater in patients with renal impairment.