Etomidate - 4

Pharmacokinetics

  • Three-compartment model is probably most accurate
  • t1/2(distribution) = 3 minutes
  • t1/2(redistribution) = 30 minutes
  • t1/2(elimination) = 4 hours
  • clearance (by the liver), Cl = 20 ml/kg/min
etomidate concentration-time curve
  • 75% protein bound
  • Vdss = 3 - 4 L/kg
  • patients with hepatic cirrhosis:
    • Vdss doubled
    • Cl normal
    • so, t1/2(elimination) is doubled
  • elderly patients:
    • Vdss less
    • Cl less



Greg Gordon MD
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