Etomidate - 1

To achieve rapid intravenous induction with minimal hemodynamic perturbation and little respiratory depression, etomidate (Amidate) may be the agent of choice.

History

  • 1964: etomidate synthetized *
  • 1972: etomidate introduced in to clinical anesthesia practice *
  • Hemodynamic stability, minimal respiratory depression, maybe even cerebral protection, and safer than thiopental (etomidate ED50/LD50 = 26.4 vs 4.6 for thiopental).
  • early 1980's: BUT: etomidate found to (not only cause pain, movement, and emesis, but also) inhibit steroid synthesis, * *



Greg Gordon MD
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