Etomidate induces loss of consciousness rapidly (5—15 seconds) and recovery occurs in 5 to 15 minutes. The elimination Etomidate half life is 4.6 +1- 2.6 hours and total apparent volume of distribution, 4.5 +/- 2.2 L/kg.
The volume of distribution of etomidate half life is large, suggesting considerable tissue uptake. The plasma clearance is 879 +/- 135 mL/min. Etomidate is rapidly redistributed (distribution t-half 2.8 +/- 2.3 mm) from the central to peripheral compartments and rapidly eliminated by metabolism.
The hepatic clearance, being about 50 per cent of hepatic blood flow, indicates that changes in hepatic blood flow or hepatic metabolism will have only moderate effects on etomidate disposition. Etomidate half life penetrates the brain rapidly, reaching peak levels within 1 minute after IV injection.
Prompt awakening after a single dose of etomidate principally reflects the redistribution of the drug form brain to inactive tissue sites. Rapid metabolism is also likely to contribute to prompt recovery.