title: Effect of dose and premedication on induction complications with etomidate.
abstract: The induction characteristics of etomidate, a new i.v. hypnotic agent, were studied in 400 patients. Two hundred were premedicated with atropine and anaesthesia was induced with 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 or 0.35 mg/kg of etomidate. The remainder received one of four standard premedications and anaesthesia was induced with etomidate 0.3 mg/kg. Involuntary muscle movements occurred in more than 60% of patients receiving atropine alone. The frequency was reduced in the second group, but remained unacceptable in over 8% of patients. The incidence of other excitatory phenomena, such as cough and hiccup, was 10% approximately. Cardiovascular changes were minimal and no serious allergic phenomena were observed. Nausea and vomiting occurred after surgery in up to 30% of patients and was unrelated to the dose of etomidate or to premedication. Pain on injection occurred in up to 80% of patients when the drug was injected into small peripheral veins and occurred in more than 7% when using more normal veins.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous; D001285:Atropine; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D010146:Pain; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication; D011674:Pulse / Q000187:drug effects; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D007093:Imidazoles; D001285:Atropine; D011188:Potassium