Etomidate Haemodynamic Stability — FRCA Primary MCQ

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EasyPharmacology - Intravenous AnaestheticsEtomidate Haemodynamic StabilityFRCA Primary

Regarding etomidate its advantage over propofol and thiopentone for induction in haemodynamically unstable patients is:

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Correct answer: A — It causes minimal cardiovascular depression maintaining haemodynamic stability

Etomidate causes the least cardiovascular depression of commonly used IV induction agents. It maintains sympathetic tone / SVR / myocardial contractility and heart rate. However its use is limited by: adrenocortical suppression (11-beta-hydroxylase inhibition) / pain on injection / myoclonus / and PONV. Single-dose adrenal suppression lasts up to 24 hours.

Reference: Peck Hill Williams 2014 Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care