Etomidate-Lipuro Adverse Reactions

Etomidate inhibits the adrenocortical biosynthesis of steroids. After a single dose of etomidate the response of the adrenal cortex to stressors is markedly reduced for approx. 4-6 hours.
After prolonged continuous administration of etomidate there is a risk of transient adrenocortical insufficiency.
After a single dose of etomidate, in patients not having received appropriate premedication, myocloni are frequently observable. Such myocloni, like hypnogenic myocloni, correspond to the disinhibition of diencephalic excitations. This can be prevented by administration of opioids or benzodiazepines prior to the administration of etomidate.
Occasionally, after administration of etomidate, nausea and vomiting are observable, which are, however, caused predominantly by opioids given simultaneously or as premedication, further coughing, singultus, and shivering.
Rarely, after etomidate, liberation of histamine has been noted. Very rarely, severe effects have been reported (3 documented cases). Yet, etomidate is the first-choice drug for patients with a history of allergy.
There are sporadic reports about the occurrence of laryngospasm after etomidate.
Notice: Especially after administration of higher doses of etomidate and if combined with C.N.S. depressant drugs, apnoea of short duration may occasionally occur.