Overview
DESCRIPTION Etomidate Injection, USP is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, clear, colorless solution, free from visible particles. Each milliliter contains etomidate USP 2 mg, propylene glycol 35% v/v. The pH is 6.0 (4.0 to 7.0). It is intended for the induction of general anesthesia by intravenous injection.
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Etomidate is a general anesthetic without analgesic activity. Intravenous injection of etomidate produces anesthesia characterized by a rapid onset of action, usually within one minute. Duration of anesthesia is dose dependent but relatively brief, usually three to five minutes when an average dose of 0.3 mg/kg is employed. Immediate recovery from anesthesia (as assessed by awakening time, time needed to follow simple commands and time to perform simple tests after anesthesia as well as they were performed before anesthesia), based upon data derived from short operative procedures where intravenous etomidate was used for both induction and maintenance of anesthesia, is about as rapid as, or slightly faster than, immediate recovery after similar use of thiopental.
Indications
- INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION Etomidate Injection is indicated by intravenous injection for the induction of general anesthesia. When considering use of Etomidate Injection, the usefulness of its hemodynamic properties (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ) should be weighed against the high frequency of transient skeletal muscle movements (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Intravenous Etomidate Injection is also indicated for the supplementation of subpotent anesthetic agents, such as nitrous oxide in oxygen, during maintenance of anesthesia for short operative procedures such as dilation and curettage or...
Common Doses
- 0.2 mg
- 0.6 mg
- 0.3 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTATION Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is undamaged. Discard unused portion (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Etomidate Injection is intended for administration only by the intravenous route (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). The dose for induction of anesthesia in adult patients and in pediatric patients above the age of ten (10) years will vary between 0.2 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg of body weight, and it must be individualized in each case. The usual dose for induction in these patients is 0.3 mg/kg, injected over a period of 30 to 60 seconds.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Etomidate is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to it.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequent adverse reactions associated with use of intravenous etomidate are transient venous pain on injection and transient skeletal muscle movements, including myoclonus: 1. Transient venous pain was observed immediately following intravenous injection of etomidate in about 20% of the patients, with considerable difference in the reported incidence (1.2% to 42%). This pain is usually described as mild to moderate in severity but it is occasionally judged disturbing.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.