Etomidate Reviews

No. Etomidate has what some would call a larger side effect profile than some similar drugs, however, it is perfectly safe for use as an induction agent in RSI or as an adjunct for conscious sedation. I'd just say you're about the unluckiest guy in the world. In my 3 years of residencey training I can't say that I've heard of 4 similar incidents occurring...

I was recently given etomidate for a seven minute bladder neck Coaptite injection, and ended up in the recovery room for five hours, three and a half of which I was barely awake, going in and out of sleepiness. I hated this drug. I don't know if I was given too much or because of my low blood pressure I just couldn't get it through and out of my system fast enough. It was awful and very scary.

I have been present for multiple rapid sequence intubations in the past year and 4 of the patients have gone PEA immeidately after the administration of Etomidate.  Obviously, if someone is being emergently intubated, it goes without saying they are not doing well.  Generally, however, if the intubation is successful and quick the patient is able to be revived.  These 4 patients have all been fairly young, in relatively good health before the event, and no pulse was ever regained.  An autopsy was performed on one of these patient's with no conclusive cause of death being identified.  I am fearful to use Etomidate during RSI now.  Is this a valid concern?

Have never been able to determine if this severe side effect was due to a flawed injection or that it was a severe reaction to Etomidate, but a number of years ago my wife was given an Etomidate injection before minor surgery.

Immediately she as given the injection a searing pain shot through her arm to the extent that she grabbed hold of it, this to the annoyance of the person giving the injection, however within a few hours her entire arm started to turn blueish purple with the veins starting to stand out, then after a few more hours she couldnt move her arm which by then was virually purple all over.

The doctor was then called and on arrival looked totally astounded and saying that he had nver seen anything like that in his entire life.

No satisafctory explanation was ever given about the exact cause of this, and my wifes arm had to be in a sling for nearly three months before the pain and discolouration subsided enough to use it, needless to say that since then whenever she was going for any other treatments she always emphasises that she is allergic to Etomidate, but we have always wondered is she? or was it the injection?