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

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300  

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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