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Etomidate

Amidate

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Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Anesthetic

Routes

IV

Indications

Induction of anesthesia (cardiovascularly compromised patients)

Mechanism of Action

Enhances GABA-A receptor activity producing rapid onset, ultra-short acting anesthesia. Minimal cardiovascular effects.

Side effects & warnings

Causes adrenocortical suppression (single dose suppresses cortisol 2-6 hrs). Pain and myoclonus on injection. Propylene glycol vehicle may cause hemolysis. Reserve for cardiovascularly compromised patients.

Species with Etomidate dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Strong×1Moderate×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by a published source

  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)IV1–3 mg/kgSingle dose IV to effectStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)IV1–3 mg/kgSingle dose IV to effectModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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Calculate Dosage for Etomidate