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Amidate (Etomidate)
Etomidate (Amidate) is a marketed intravenous anesthetic agent by Pfizer indicated for induction of general anesthesia and maintenance supplementation during short procedures. It is valued for its favorable hemodynamic stability, maintaining cardiovascular parameters better than alternative induction agents. However, its clinical use must be balanced against the high incidence of transient skeletal muscle movements during induction. The drug is particularly useful in hemodynamically compromised patients where blood pressure and heart rate preservation is critical. Etomidate remains a standard induction agent in anesthetic practice despite its myoclonic side effects.
At a glance
| Generic name | Etomidate |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Pfizer Inc. |
| Drug class | General Anesthetic [EPC] |
| Target | GABA A receptor alpha-2/beta-2/gamma-2 |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Metabolic |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Approved indications
- Induction of general anesthesia
- Supplementation of subpotent anesthetic agents during maintenance of anesthesia for short operative procedures
- Supplementation of nitrous oxide in oxygen during maintenance of anesthesia for dilation and curettage
- Supplementation of nitrous oxide in oxygen during maintenance of anesthesia for cervical conization
Common side effects
- Transient venous pain on injection
- Transient venous pain on injection (range)
- Transient skeletal muscle movements/myoclonus
- Transient skeletal muscle movements (range)
- Myoclonic movements
- Averting movements
- Tonic movements
- Eye movements
- Hyperventilation
- Hypoventilation
- Apnea of short duration (5-90 seconds)
- Laryngospasm
Key clinical trials
- Effects of Different Drugs for Glottic Atomization on Postoperative Sore Throat After Thyroid Surgery (PHASE4)
- Randomized Trial of Sedative Choice for Intubation (PHASE4)
- A Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of KL0011034 Injection in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
- Comparison of Anesthetic Techniques for Early Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy (NA)
- Induction Agent Choice With Early Mortality and Prognostic Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients
- Dexmedetomidine and Myocardial Protection (NA)
- Propofol and Etomidate Admixtures Comparisons Trial (PEAC Trial) (PHASE3)
- Nalbuphine Timing Effects on Hemodynamics and Analgesia in Elderly Patients (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Amidate CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Amidate updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Pfizer Inc. portfolio CI