What is Etomidate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Sep 24, 2021

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Etomidate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Amidate, Amidate Novaplus, Etomidate Novaplus

Generic Names:

  • Etomidate

Uses:

  • This medicine causes a person to relax or sleep (be unconscious) before and during a surgery. Also given to people in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anesthetic, General

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Etomidate used for?

Etomidate is a general anesthetic drug used for sedation without having the analgesic effect. It may also be used for other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. It causes special chemicals in the brain to depress brain functions. Etomidate is indicated for use by adults and children 10 years and older. This medication is available as an injection.

What form(s) does Etomidate come in

  • Injectable

What are common Etomidate doses?

  • Vial 10ML of 2MG/ML

Common Etomidate prescriptions

  • Etomidate
    10ml of 2mg/ml vial

  • Etomidate
    20ml of 2mg/ml vial

How to take Etomidate

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • You will receive this medicine in a hospital or surgery center. Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Etomidate

Etomidate contraindications

  • You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of general anesthesia. You should not receive this medicine if you are breast feeding.

Etomidate warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney disease, pancreas problems, or high cholesterol. Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had a head injury, stroke, or seizures, including epilepsy.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Muscle stiffness.

  • Seizures.

  • Slow or uneven heartbeat.

Etomidate interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Etomidate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Lightheadedness or fainting (after you awake from surgery).

  • Muscle stiffness.

  • Seizures.

  • Slow or uneven heartbeat.

  • Muscle pain, tightness, or weakness.

  • Pain, swelling, or skin changes where the needle is placed.

  • Shivering, shaking, or trembling.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Blurred vision.

  • Cough, sore throat.

  • Headache, mood changes, unusual dreams.

  • Mild nausea or vomiting.

  • Mild skin rash.

  • Muscle pain, tightness, or weakness.

  • Pain, swelling, or skin changes where the needle is placed.

  • Shivering, shaking, or trembling.

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