Pharmacokinetics
Onset time: 30 seconds        Offset time: 3-7 minutes
Metabolism: Etomidate is an ester and undergoes ester hydrolysis in both plasma and the liver.

Pharmacodynamics
CNS: Hypnosis.

Common side-effects
CVS: Very little effect on heart rate (HR), CO and systemic vascular resistance (SVR).
RS: Minimal and transient dose-dependent respiratory depression.

Other effects
Pain on injection, which is reduced by the use of the preparation in lipid, i.e. Etomidate-Lipuro^®.
Nausea and vomiting is common compared with propofol.
Adrenocortical suppression, especially if used by infusion.
Hypersensitivity reactions: Approximately 1 in 75 000.

Relative contraindication to use
Sedation in intensive care. Avoid in porphyria.