Beyond adrenal suppression: a comprehensive post-marketing safety profile of etomidate from real world data - Report - MDSpire

Beyond adrenal suppression: a comprehensive post-marketing safety profile of etomidate from real world data

  • By

  • Huiyi Deng

  • Wujiang Lai

  • Ying Xiang

  • Zewen Wang

  • Jiemei Liang

  • Yiwen Zhang

  • Jiale Liang

  • July 7, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Evaluating the Safety Profile of Etomidate

Background

Etomidate is a commonly used intravenous anesthetic known for its rapid onset and minimal cardiovascular effects, making it suitable for high-risk patients. However, concerns regarding its safety profile, particularly beyond adrenal suppression, necessitate ongoing surveillance.

Data Highlights

Adverse EventCount
Cardiac Arrest33
Seizure12
Drug Abuse10
Hypokalaemia9
Bruxism9
Cardiac Disorders100
Endocrine Disorders38

Key Findings

  • 318 ADRs were identified from the FAERS database.
  • 59 preferred terms and 2 system organ classes met the criteria of all four disproportionality algorithms.
  • Cardiac disorders were significantly associated with etomidate, with 100 reports noted.
  • Endocrine disorders were identified as a novel signal with 38 reports.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should maintain heightened vigilance regarding the potential for serious ADRs associated with etomidate, particularly in high-risk populations. Continuous monitoring and reporting of adverse events are essential for ensuring patient safety.

Conclusion

This study confirmed known risks and identified novel ADRs of etomidate.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Intensive Care Medicine, 2007 -- A single administration of etomidate adversely affects adrenal function for a minimum of 24 hours in pediatric patients with meningococcal sepsis
  2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Case Report: A literature review of the medical complications arising from etomidate-laced vapes and two case studies of hypokalemia associated with etomidate use
  3. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, 2019 -- Significant Cardiovascular Adverse Events Linked to Intravenous Sedatives: A Retrospective Review of the FDA MedWatch Reporting System
  4. Guidelines for Rapid Sequence Intubation in the Critically Ill Adult Patient | SCCM, 2023
  5. Etomidate versus ketamine for rapid sequence intubation in acutely ill patients: a multicenter randomized controlled trial - PMC
  6. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Effectiveness and Safety of Osilodrostat in Nonpituitary Cushing Syndrome: Insights from Real-World Data
  7. Beyond adrenal suppression: a comprehensive post-marketing safety profile of etomidate from real world data
  8. Guidelines for Rapid Sequence Intubation in the Critically Ill Adult Patient | SCCM
  9. Etomidate versus ketamine for rapid sequence intubation in acutely ill patients: a multicenter randomized controlled trial - PMC

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