Last reviewed · How we verify
Etomidate Injection
Etomidate is a non-barbiturate hypnotic agent that enhances GABAergic neurotransmission by acting as a positive allosteric modulator at GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system.
Etomidate is a non-barbiturate hypnotic agent that enhances GABAergic neurotransmission by acting as a positive allosteric modulator at GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system. Used for Induction of general anesthesia, Sedation of intubated patients in intensive care settings.
At a glance
| Generic name | Etomidate Injection |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Korea University Anam Hospital |
| Drug class | Non-barbiturate hypnotic; GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulator |
| Target | GABA-A receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Etomidate binds to GABA-A receptors and increases the frequency of chloride channel opening, leading to hyperpolarization of neuronal membranes and rapid onset of unconsciousness. It is primarily used as an intravenous induction agent for anesthesia due to its rapid onset, short duration, and minimal effects on cardiovascular and respiratory stability compared to other induction agents.
Approved indications
- Induction of general anesthesia
- Sedation of intubated patients in intensive care settings
Common side effects
- Pain on injection
- Transient apnea
- Hypotension
- Myoclonus
- Nausea and vomiting
- Adrenal suppression (with prolonged use)
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of KL0011034 Injection in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
- Nalbuphine Timing Effects on Hemodynamics and Analgesia in Elderly Patients (PHASE4)
- Etomidate Combined With Propofol Versus Propofol for Sedation in High-Altitude Patients During Gastroscopy: a Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial (NA)
- A Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Methoxyethyl Etomidate Hydrochloride in Gastroscopy/Colonoscopy (PHASE2)
- A Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Methoxyethyl Etomidate Hydrochloride for Sedation/Anesthesia During Gastroscopy/Colonoscopy (PHASE3)
- Drug Interactions Trial of Methoxyethyl Etomidate Hydrochloride (PHASE1)
- Clinical Trial of the Effect of Methoxyethyl Etomidate Hydrochloride on the QT Interval of the Heart (PHASE1)
- Substance Balance Trial of Methoxyethyl Etomidate Hydrochloride (PHASE1)
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:
- Etomidate Injection CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Etomidate Injection updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Korea University Anam Hospital portfolio CI