| Indication | Used in the induction of general anesthesia. |
| Pharmacodynamics | 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. |
| Mechanism of action | Etomidate binds at a distinct binding site associated with a Cl- ionopore at the GABAA receptor, increasing the duration of time for which the Cl- ionopore is open. The post-synaptic inhibitory effect of GABA in the thalamus is, therefore, prolonged. |
| Absorption | Not Available |
| Volume of distribution | Not Available |
| Protein binding | 76%, primarily to serum albumin. |
| Metabolism | Hepatic. Metabolized rapidly by ester hydrolysis to inactive metabolites. |
| Route of elimination | Approximately 75% of the administered dose is excreted in the urine during the first day after injection. |
| Half life | 75 minutes. |
| Clearance | Not Available |
| 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. |