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Etomidate (optional medication – not required in every BioTel agency)

Class:
  • Short-acting intravenous anesthetic
  • Hypnotic
  • Sedative
Route: IV or IO push

Adult Dose:

  • 0.3 mg/kg slow push administered one minute prior to intubation
  • Additional doses of 0.1 mg/kg as necessary to achieve adequate sedation to a maximum total dose of 40 mg
Pediatric Dose: Suppresses central nervous system activity thereby inducing rapid unconsciousness
Drug Action: Suppresses central nervous system activity thereby inducing rapid unconsciousness
Onset: 1 minute - 2 minutes
Duration: Dose dependent, but usually 3-5 minutes
Indications: Sedation to provide pharmacologically-assisted intubation
Precautions:
  • May cause myoclonic activity (e.g., coughing, hiccups)
  • May exacerbate focal seizure disorder
Side Effects:
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Temporary involuntary muscle contractions
Contraindications:
  • For EMS use, no contraindications.
  • Relative contraindication
    • Known adrenal insufficiency (known to suppress cortisol production)
    • Known history of focal seizure disorder (may exacerbate condition)
    • Pregnancy
  • Use with caution
    • Hypotension
    • Severe asthma
  • Not recommended in children under 10 years old (safety and efficacy not established)
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