Session Key Points

  • The three most commonly-used induction agents are: propofol, thiopental and etomidate
  • All produce loss of consciousness in one arm-brain circulation time: about 30 seconds
  • All are very lipid soluble in order to reach their effect site, the brain, by crossing the blood-brain barrier
  • The offset time of the effect of the induction agents is primarily due to distribution to vessel-rich tissues
  • Induction doses for each agent are as follows:
    • Propofol: 1-2.5 mg/kg
    • Thiopental: 3-7 mg/kg
    • Etomidate: 0.25-0.3 mg/kg