Effect of etomidate on intra-ocular pressure.
Etomidate, a new short-acting non-barbiturate hypnotic, was administered to 40 patients between the ages of 12 years and 65 years. Intra-ocular pressure was measured before and after etomidate injection using a Schiotz tonometer. A significant reduction of intra-ocular pressure was found to follow etomidate injection in spite of the often associated myoclonic movements. The mechanism of reduction of intra-ocular pressure has not been determined in this study. It is suggested that etomidate will be a useful intravenous induction agent where elevation of intra-ocular pressure is undesirable.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005045:Etomidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular
D007093:Imidazoles; D005045:Etomidate