Etomidate
To achieve rapid intravenous induction with minimal hemodynamic perturbation and little respiratory depression, etomidate (Amidate) may be the agent of choice. History
- 1964: etomidate synthetized *
- 1972: etomidate introduced in to clinical anesthesia practice *
- Hemodynamic stability, minimal respiratory depression, maybe even cerebral protection, and safer than thiopental (etomidate ED50/LD50 = 26.4 vs 4.6 for thiopental).
- early 1980's: BUT: etomidate found to (not only cause pain, movement, and emesis, but also) inhibit steroid synthesis, * *