etomidate

Etomidate (Amidate) 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 (Amidate) 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 (Amidate) 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 (Amidate) 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.