etomidate at a glance
Medicine class
Short-acting intravenous general anaesthetic
Main role
Induction of general anaesthesia
Administration
Slow injection into a vein by an appropriately trained doctor, with breathing support available
Pain relief
Does not relieve pain; painful procedures require suitable analgesia
What is etomidate used for?
The lipid-emulsion product is licensed for adults and children older than 6 months. Younger infants should receive that formulation only for imperative inpatient indications.
Producing unconsciousness at the start of general anaesthesia for surgery or another procedure
How does etomidate work?
Etomidate rapidly depresses brain activity to produce unconsciousness. Its effect is brief because it redistributes quickly from the brain and is metabolised. It also temporarily reduces cortisol and aldosterone production by reversibly inhibiting adrenal 11-beta-hydroxylase.
etomidate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 2 mg/mL
How to take etomidate
Etomidate is not self-administered. An anaesthetist injects it slowly into a vein while monitoring breathing, circulation and consciousness. Ventilation and resuscitation equipment must be available.
Follow the hospital’s instructions about fasting and usual medicines before anaesthesia.
Tell the anaesthetic team about allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, adrenal problems, liver disease, medicines and alcohol use.
Follow the discharge team’s advice about driving, alcohol, machinery and supervision.
etomidate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary involuntary or jerking movements
- Temporary reduction in cortisol
- Low blood pressure
- Brief pauses or changes in breathing
- Feeling or being sick
- Injection-site or vein pain
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, wheezing, hives, swelling or shock
- Severe respiratory depression, bronchospasm or laryngospasm
- Serious abnormal heart rhythm, profound circulatory collapse or cardiac arrest
- Convulsion
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Severe blistering skin reaction such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome
etomidate in pregnancy
Safety in human pregnancy has not been established, and etomidate crosses the placenta. It should be used only when the anaesthetic team judges that the expected benefit justifies the potential fetal risk.
etomidate while breastfeeding
The selected product information advises interrupting breastfeeding for about 24 hours and discarding milk expressed during that period. A 2026 UK anaesthesia guideline says no waiting period is required because milk amounts are very small. Follow the anaesthetist’s product-specific plan.
etomidate interactions
The anaesthetic team should review prescribed, non-prescribed and recreational substances before use.
Opioids, sedatives, neuroleptics and alcohol
May strengthen etomidate’s hypnotic and respiratory-depressant effects.
Blood-pressure-lowering medicines and alpha blockers
Etomidate may add to their blood-pressure-lowering effect.
Common questions about etomidate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is etomidate used for?
To produce unconsciousness at the start of general anaesthesia.
Does etomidate relieve pain?
No. Painful procedures require appropriate pain relief.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.