Etomidate-Lipuro Dosage/Direction for Use

The dosage is adjusted acc. to the individual response and the clinical effect.
Unless directed otherwise, the following dosage guidelines should be followed: As a rule, the safe hypnotic dose is between 0.15 and 0.3 mg of etomidate per kg B.W., corresponding to 0.075 to 0.15 ml of Etomidate-Lipuro per kg B.W.
Children up to 15 years old and elderly patients receive a single dose of 0.15 to 0.2 mg of etomidate, corresponding to 0.075 to 0.1 ml of Etomidate-Lipuro per kg B.W. Also in patients belonging to these age groups, the exact dosage is to be adjusted acc. to the clinical effect.
In patients with liver cirrhosis and patients having previously received neuroleptics the dose must be reduced.
In the special case of narcosis for interruption of a status epilepticus or serial epileptic seizures a sufficiently high dose of etomidate (0.3 mg/kg B.W., corresponding to 0.15 ml of Etomidate-Lipuro) should be injected quickly, i.e. within 10 sec. This dose may be repeated several times, if required.
Method and route of administration: Etomidate-Lipuro must exclusively be injected i.v. and, as a rule, slowly (injection time for a single dose: approx. 30 sec), divided in several portions, if required.
Intra-arterial injection must be avoided as there is a danger of Etomidate-Lipuro to cause necroses if injected i.a. Paravenous injection will cause strong pain.
Prior to administration of Etomidate-Lipuro appropriate premedication should be given in order to avoid the occurrence of myocloni. It is recommended to give a benzodiazepine, e.g. a diazepam injection which may be injected i.m. about 1 hour or i.v. 10 min. prior to administration of Etomidate-Lipuro.
In patients with manifest epilepsy or with an increased tendency to convulsions, injection of Etomidate-Lipuro must be performed quickly, i.e. within a few seconds, in order to avoid too slow diffusion of etomidate into the brain. Thus due to the good bioavailability of etomidate and its rapid distribution within the brain activation of convulsions is prevented.
Notice: Etomidate-Lipuro does not contain antimicrobial preservatives. Immediately after opening of the ampoule, the emulsion is to be drawn up under aseptic conditions and injected, because fat emulsions promote the growth of microorganisms. Unused portions must be discarded.
Ampoules should be shaken prior to use to ensure homogenous distribution.