Etomidate as a Sedative: Safe and Effective?

Etomidate is well known as a useful induction agent in rapid sequence intubation, and some authors have suggested that it may be effective as a sedative agent as well. The authors of this descriptive study evaluated its use in patients undergoing painful ED procedures.

A total of 56 patients undergoing 60 procedures were managed with IV etomidate in 0.1-mg/kg boluses, repeated as needed. All patients received adjunctive opioids. Patients ranged in age from 5 to 92 years; most were adults. Adequate sedation occurred in 98 percent of patients (mean dose, 0.16 mg/kg), and procedural success was achieved in 93 percent. Complications included oxygen desaturation below 90 percent in 5 patients (8.3 percent), myoclonus in 4 (6.6 percent), and vomit…