How does etomidate (Amidate) work?

Etomidate (Amidate) [works](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535364/#article-21399.s3) by raising the levels of a chemical in your brain called [GABA](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513311/). This chemical [calms down the activity in your brain and nervous system](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-017-0463-7) and helps you lose consciousness.

How is etomidate (Amidate) given and what is the dose?

Etomidate (Amidate) is given as an injection into the veins (intravenous or IV) quickly over 30 seconds to 60 seconds. The [dose](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=b7ed5bf8-ba75-44dc-8f81-96b4ad5766be&type=display#DA) is different from one person to another because it depends on why you need etomidate (Amidate) and your body weight. Your provider will calculate your dose to make sure you are getting the correct amount.

etomidate

Q: What is etomidate (Amidate) used for?

Etomidate (Amidate) is a medication used to prevent pain ([general anesthesia](https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/anesthesia-101/types-of-anesthesia/general-anesthesia/)) in people who are undergoing certain procedures. It's sometimes used with other medications for anesthesia, such as [nitrous oxide](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532922/).

Generic Amidate

Used for Anesthesia, Sedation

Etomidate (Amidate) is a medication used for general anesthesia in people who are undergoing procedures. It starts to work rather quickly, usually within one minute.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 26, 2022

What is Etomidate (Amidate)?

What is Etomidate (Amidate) used for?

General anesthesia before procedures

Drug facts

Common Brands	Amidate
Drug Class	Anesthetic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Amidate

Drug Class

Anesthetic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Etomidate

Etomidate is a medication used to prevent pain (general anesthesia) in people who are undergoing certain procedures. It's sometimes used with other medications for anesthesia, such as nitrous oxide.

Etomidate works by raising the levels of a chemical in your brain called GABA. This chemical calms down the activity in your brain and nervous system and helps you lose consciousness.

Etomidate is given as an injection into the veins (intravenous or IV) quickly over 30 seconds to 60 seconds. The dose is different from one person to another because it depends on why you need Etomidate and your body weight. Your provider will calculate your dose to make sure you are getting the correct amount.

A common side effect is mild-to-moderate pain in the injection site where Etomidate is injected. More people reported this pain when the medication was injected into a smaller vein in their hand or wrist compared with a larger vein. To lower your risk of pain, your provider might inject the medication into larger veins. Other less common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and changes in heart rate.