Etomidate
Also known as: Amidate, Hypnomidate, Radenarcon, Sibul
Etomidate is a potent sedative-hypnotic anesthetic agent. * **Professional Use Only:** It is used strictly by veterinary professionals in a clinical setting where adequate patient monitoring (ECG, blood pressure, oxygenation) is available. * **Why it is used:** Your veterinarian may choose this specific anesthetic if your pet has a preexisting heart condition, head trauma, or is critically ill, because etomidate is very gentle on the cardiovascular system compared to other anesthetics. * **What to expect:** It is used to safely induce sleep before a procedure. Because it does not provide pain relief on its own, your pet will receive additional pain medications as needed.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As an induction agent
- As an induction agent
- As an induction agent
- As an induction agent in the cardiovascular unstable patient
- As an induction agent in the cardiovascular unstable patient (Rabbits)
- As an induction agent
- As an induction agent
- As an induction agent
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Pain at intravenous injection site
- Myoclonus (skeletal muscle movements)
- Vomiting and post-operative retching
- Eye movements
- Hemolysis (due to propylene glycol carrier)
- Brief hypoventilation and decreased arterial blood pressure
- Apnea, laryngospasm, or hiccups (reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to etomidate
- Maintenance of anesthesia (due to cumulative adrenal suppression)
- Use as a sole agent for painful procedures (lacks analgesia)
- > **Adrenocortical Suppression:** Etomidate inhibits cortisol production. It should only be used for induction, not maintenance. Use with extreme caution in patients with impaired adrenocortical function. Exogenous glucocorticoids (e.g., dexamethasone) should be considered in severely compromised animals. * **Hepatic/Renal Impairment:** Elimination half-lives may be significantly increased. The propylene glycol carrier may be problematic in patients with liver dysfunction. * **Hemolysis & Pain:** Injecting into a running IV line is recommended to decrease pain on injection and potentially reduce hemolysis caused by the propylene glycol vehicle. * **Premedication:** Administering a benzodiazepine (diazepam, midazolam) or opiate prior to etomidate can minimize myoclonus, vomiting, and potential seizure-like activity.
Drug interactions
- CNS/Respiratory Depressants (e.g., barbiturates, opiates, anesthetics): Additive pharmacological effects; can increase CNS or respiratory depression.
- Verapamil: Associated with potentiating the anesthetic and respiratory depressant effects of etomidate.
Frequently asked questions
What is Etomidate used for in pets?
Etomidate is a potent sedative-hypnotic anesthetic agent. * **Professional Use Only:** It is used strictly by veterinary professionals in a clinical setting where adequate patient monitoring (ECG, blood pressure, oxygenation) is available. * **Why it is used:** Your veterinarian may choose this specific anesthetic if your pet has a preexisting heart condition, head trauma, or is critically ill, because etomidate is very gentle on the cardiovascular system compared to other anesthetics. * **What to expect:** It is used to safely induce sleep before a procedure. Because it does not provide pain relief on its own, your pet will receive additional pain medications as needed.
Is Etomidate safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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