Does etomidate cause seizures in patients?

Question

My sister received etomidate in an er and had 4-5 seizures within the first 48hrs after receiving the drug.

Answer 1

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Etomidate, used as an anesthetic or sedative, has been reported to cause seizures, although it is rare. It is probably more likely in people who have had seizures in the past (i.e., epileptic patients).

A more common side effect of etomidate is involuntary muscle movements, typically including stiff muscles and/or abnormal eye movements. This is much more likely and can happen in as many as 1 out of 3 patients receiving etomidate.

Because it is difficult for the average person to determine the difference between a seizure and abnormal muscle muscle movements, it would be best to report this side effect to the physician, and have your sister assessed.

Source(s):

B. Langford RPh, ACPR
http://www.AskYourPharmacist.ca