Etomodate is a drug used in medical emergencies to assist in Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI), a method to quickly get an intubation tube in place. In some cases, registered nurses (RNs) who are certified can push Etomodate.
What Is Etomodate?
Etomodate is a sedative hypnotic drug administered to a patient to allow for intubation when there is not time or facility for general anesthesia.
Its Uses
It is most commonly used during emergency care either before or after the patient arrives at the hospital. It is often given along with a paralytic (neuromuscular relaxer) to allow the intubation tube to be placed into the trachea.
How Is It Administered?
It is administered intravenously in combination with other medications.
Who Can Administer It?
The RSI procedure using Etomodate is typically conducted by an anesthesiologist or a registered nurse anesthetist who is certified to do so, and by other medical personnel in the emergency room. It can also be administered by paramedics, flight medics and nurses in an emergency.
Effects
In low doses, Etomodate depresses the central nervous system and places the patient in a relaxed, calm state. In higher doses, it puts the patient to sleep. An important aspect of sedative hypnotics is that they do not reduce a patient's sensitivity to pain, which is important in a trauma triage situation.
Tags: allow intubation, intubation tube