Etomidate
Pronunciation: ee-TOE-mi-date.
- Generic name
- Etomidate
- Brand names
- Etomidate-Lipuro, Etom, Amidate, Etomidate, Hypnomidate
- Drug class
- General anesthetic (non-barbiturate hypnotic)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Etomidate is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Etomidate works
Etomidate is a non-barbiturate hypnotic agent that enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor, increasing chloride ion influx and causing neuronal hyperpolarization. This results in rapid onset of unconsciousness and sedation. Etomidate has minimal cardiovascular and respiratory depressant effects compared to other induction agents. (1)
What Etomidate is used for
Induction of general anesthesia
Given intravenously by a healthcare professional to bring on unconsciousness quickly at the start of general anesthesia. (2)
Sedation for short procedures (e.g., cardioversion, intubation)
Used for brief sedation during short procedures because of its rapid onset and short duration of action. (2)
Rapid sequence intubation (RSI)
Used as the induction agent in rapid sequence intubation because of its fast onset and comparatively stable cardiovascular profile. (2)
Supplementation during maintenance anesthesia
Also used to supplement subpotent anesthetic agents, such as nitrous oxide, during the maintenance phase of anesthesia for brief surgical or diagnostic procedures. (2)
Before taking Etomidate
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to etomidate or its components, and in those with known or suspected adrenal insufficiency unless benefits outweigh risks. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Etomidate
- General Instructions: Etomidate is only administered by a trained healthcare professional, usually in a hospital or surgical setting. It is not for self-administration.. Adult Dosing: Typical induction dose for adults is 0.2–0.6 mg/kg IV, administered over 30–60 seconds. Dose may be adjusted based on age, weight, and clinical condition.. Pediatric Dosing: For children, the usual induction dose is 0.2–0.3 mg/kg IV. Dosing should be individualized and administered by a specialist.. Administration: Given as a slow intravenous injection by a healthcare provider. Continuous monitoring of vital signs is required during and after administration.. When To Stop: Etomidate is used as a single dose for induction; ongoing use is not recommended due to risk of adrenal suppression. If severe side effects or an allergic reaction occur, the healthcare team monitoring you will decide whether to stop further doses and how to manage the reaction.. Storage: Store vials at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F), protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
Etomidate is given as a single dose by a healthcare professional; missed doses are not applicable.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include prolonged sedation, respiratory depression, low blood pressure, or cardiac arrest. Seek emergency medical help immediately. Supportive care and monitoring are essential; there is no specific antidote. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Myoclonus
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Adrenocortical suppression
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Apnea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypotension
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Bradycardia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Pain on injection
Incidence: About 20% (transient venous pain, per FDA label)
Signs of an allergic reaction, unusual muscle jerking that does not settle, or breathing difficulty during recovery
Incidence: Monitored continuously by the care team; report promptly if noticed after discharge
Serious warnings
A single induction dose of etomidate reduces plasma cortisol and aldosterone for about 6-8 hours — serious
Symptoms: A single induction dose of etomidate reduces plasma cortisol and aldosterone for about 6-8 hours; the drug is not used as a prolonged or continuous infusion because of the risk of extended suppression of the body's own cortisol and aldosterone production. Use caution in patients with sepsis or critical illness. Monitor for respiratory depression and hypotension. May cause involuntary muscle movements (myoclonus). Not recommended for long-term sedation in intensive care.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
The only formal FDA contraindication is hypersensitivity to etomidate — serious
Symptoms: The only formal FDA contraindication is hypersensitivity to etomidate. Beyond that, clinicians use particular caution — including in known or suspected adrenal insufficiency unless the anesthesia benefit outweighs the risk — in patients with sepsis, the elderly, or those with severe cardiovascular disease, and monitor closely for adrenal suppression, especially with repeated dosing.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Etomidate may interact with other central nervous system depressants, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol, increasing the risk of respiratory depression. It may also interact with corticosteroids and drugs affecting adrenal function. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of etomidate in pregnant women. Animal studies showed fetal deaths and reduced offspring survival at doses below typical human induction doses, and etomidate is not recommended for obstetric use. Any use during pregnancy is a decision for the treating anesthesia and obstetric team based on the specific clinical situation. (2)
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether etomidate passes into human breast milk, so caution is advised. The care team can advise on breastfeeding timing around a procedure involving etomidate. (2)
Children
Etomidate IS supported for induction of anesthesia in pediatric patients aged 10 years and older, using the same weight-based dosing as adults (0.2-0.6 mg/kg IV, usual dose 0.3 mg/kg over 30-60 seconds), administered and monitored by a specialist. Use in children UNDER 10 years is not recommended because of inadequate safety and efficacy data in that age group. (2)
Renal_impairment
Hepatic impairment: limited data in patients with cirrhosis suggest the volume of distribution and elimination half-life may roughly double, meaning effects can last longer in significant liver disease; the anesthesia team adjusts monitoring accordingly. Renal impairment: specific renal-impairment dosing data are not established; the anesthesia team uses careful monitoring, particularly in elderly patients with reduced kidney function. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Hepatic impairment: limited data in patients with cirrhosis suggest the volume of distribution and elimination half-life may roughly double, meaning effects can last longer in significant liver disease; the anesthesia team adjusts monitoring accordingly. Renal impairment: specific renal-impairment dosing data are not established; the anesthesia team uses careful monitoring, particularly in elderly patients with reduced kidney function. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store vials at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Induction of general anesthesia
Dose summary: 0.2 to 0.6 mg/kg IV administered over 30 to 60 seconds.
Renal context: Specific renal-impairment dosing data are not established in the label reviewed; the anesthesia team monitors closely, particularly in elderly patients with reduced kidney function. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is etomidate used for?
Etomidate is used for the induction of general anesthesia and sedation for short procedures, such as rapid sequence intubation or minor surgeries.
How quickly does etomidate work?
Etomidate acts within 30–60 seconds after intravenous injection, causing rapid loss of consciousness.
Is etomidate safe for children?
Etomidate is supported for anesthesia induction in children aged 10 years and older, using the same weight-based dosing as adults. It is not recommended for children under 10 years because there is not enough safety and efficacy data in that age group. Dosing and monitoring are always handled by experienced anesthesia professionals.
Can etomidate be used in patients with heart disease?
Etomidate is often preferred in patients with heart disease due to its minimal effects on heart rate and blood pressure, but close monitoring is still required.
Does etomidate cause pain?
Some patients may experience mild pain or burning at the injection site, but this is usually brief.
Can I take etomidate at home?
No, etomidate is only administered in a hospital or clinical setting by trained healthcare professionals.
What are the risks of repeated etomidate use?
Repeated or prolonged use can suppress adrenal gland function, leading to serious hormonal imbalances. It is not recommended for long-term sedation.
What happens if I take too much Etomidate?
An overdose of Etomidate can lead to severe central nervous system depression, respiratory arrest, and profound cardiovascular collapse. Immediate medical attention is critical. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help without delay. Prompt intervention is necessary to manage life-threatening complications and provide supportive care.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Etomidate?
Drinking alcohol while under the influence of Etomidate or shortly after its administration is strongly discouraged. Both Etomidate and alcohol are central nervous system depressants, and their combined effects can lead to severe respiratory depression, profound sedation, and an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Always avoid alcohol when receiving or recovering from anesthesia.
Is Etomidate safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Etomidate during pregnancy has not been definitively established. It is categorized as a Pregnancy Category C drug, meaning animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits before using Etomidate if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What is the mechanism of action of Etomidate?
Etomidate is a non-barbiturate hypnotic agent that enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor, increasing chloride ion influx and causing neuronal hyperpolarization. This results in rapid onset of unconsciousness and sedation. Etomidate has minimal cardiovascular and respiratory depressant effects compared to other induction agents. (1)
What is the generic name of Etomidate?
The generic name is Etomidate. It is sold under brand names including Etomidate-Lipuro, Etom, Amidate, Etomidate, Hypnomidate.
What class of drug is Etomidate?
Etomidate is classed as: General anesthetic (non-barbiturate hypnotic).
References
- Etomidate — clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record · Global (unvalidated regions) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- AMIDATE (etomidate) injection, solutionU.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- AMIDATE (ETOMIDATE) INJECTION, SOLUTION [HOSPIRA, INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- ETOMIDATE injection, solution — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA206126)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Etomidate — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 4177)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Etomidate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Amidate2 mg/mL · hospira, inc.
- AMIDATE(TM) ETOMIDATE2 mg/mL · hf acquisition co llc, dba healthfirst