Etomidate

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** An imidazole derivative with short-acting sedative, hypnotic, and general anesthetic properties. Etomidate appears to have gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) like effects, mediated through GABA-A receptor. The action enhances the inhibitory effect of GABA on the central nervous system by causing chloride channel opening events which leads to membrane hyperpolarization.

**Synonyms:** - 1H-Imidazole-5-Carboxylic Acid, 1-((1R)-1-phenylethyl)-, Ethyl Ester - Amidate - ETOMIDATE - R-(+)-Ethyl 1-(1-phenylethyl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate