Intravenous anaesthetic-hypnotic drugs Propofol Pentothal ...

25/11/2010
Etomidate / Pharmacodynamics (1)
a. Central nervous system (CNS)
1. Does not possess analgesic properties.
2. Cerebral blood flow and metabolism decrease
in a dose-dependent manner.
b. Cardiovascular system
Produces minimal changes in heart rate, blood
pressure, and cardiac output; accordingly,
etomidate may be a preferred agent for induction
of general anesthesia in a hemodynamically
compromised patient.
Etomidate / Pharmacodynamics (2)
c. Respiratory system
Produces a dose-dependent decrease in
respiratory rate and tidal volume; transient apnea
may occur. The respiratory depressant effects of
etomidate appear to be less than those of propofol
or the barbiturates.
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