Etomidate
Etomidate is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent primarily used for the induction of general anesthesia. It is particularly valuable in emergency settings and for patients with cardiovascular instability due to its minimal effects on blood pressure and heart rate. The drug provides rapid onset of action, making it ideal for urgent procedures requiring quick sedation.
Etomidate is a rapid-acting IV anesthetic used for anesthesia induction, especially in hemodynamically unstable patients.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N01AX07
- RxNorm
- 4177
- Generic
- Etomidate
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- Amidate
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterreduce dose by 50%
use only for induction of anesthesia when absolutely necessary
close maternal and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
temporarily discontinue breastfeeding for 24 hours after administration
observe infant for excessive drowsiness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 50%
use lower initial dose and titrate slowly
monitor blood pressure and respiratory status closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants and childrenuse weight-based dosing 0.3 mg/kg
avoid repeated doses due to adrenal suppression concerns
monitor for adrenal suppression with prolonged use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 25-50%
use cautiously in end-stage renal disease
monitor for prolonged sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
can be used with standard dosing
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for anesthesia induction agent
Drug class
Drug class classification system
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications in anesthesia practice
Etomidate is used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia during surgical procedures. It is commonly employed for rapid sequence induction in emergency settings, such as emergency intubation, and for patients at risk of hemodynamic instability. It may also be used for short procedures requiring sedation.
Etomidate acts on the GABA-A receptor complex, enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system. This leads to increased chloride ion conductance and neuronal hyperpolarization, resulting in sedation and loss of consciousness. Its primary effect is on the central nervous system with minimal impact on cardiovascular parameters.
Etomidate may cause myoclonus (involuntary muscle movements) and pain on injection. A significant concern is adrenal suppression, which can occur even after single doses, making it important to monitor in critically ill patients. It does not provide analgesia, so additional pain management may be required during procedures.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy