Etomidate (Amidate)

Category:

• General anesthetic

Description:

• General, intravenous anesthetic

Indications:

• General anesthesia

Contraindications:

• Immunosuppression

• Sepsis

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C; not recommended during labor, including caesarian sections

• Elderly

• Hepatic disease

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• apnea, fetal abortion, hiccups

• hypotension, laryngospasm, myoclonia

• nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression

• sinus bradycardia/tachycardia, tachypnea

Dosage:

Solely for intravenous administration and should only be given by individuals trained in the administration of general anesthetics

• General anesthesia induction: 

  • Adults and children > 10 years: 

    • IV 0.6 mg/kg over 30-60 seconds

    • Smaller doses may be used for short procedures to supplement low potency anesthetics such as nitrous oxide.  

    • Reduce doses for elderly.

• Child < 10 years: 

  • Safety and efficacy have not been established