What it's used for
Etomidate injection is used intravenously for the induction of general anesthesia and to supplement subpotent anesthetic agents during short operative procedures.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
Etomidate should only be administered if the solution is clear and the container is undamaged, and any unused portion must be discarded.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Boxed warning / key safety info
Because of the hazards of prolonged suppression of natural cortisol and aldosterone production, this formulation is not intended for prolonged infusion.
Common side effects
The most frequent adverse reactions are temporary venous pain upon injection and transient skeletal muscle movements, including myoclonus.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other everything else medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Etomidate dosage and administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTATION Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is undamaged. Discard unused portion (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Etomidate Injection is intended for administration only by the intravenous route (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). The dose for induction of anesthesia in adult patients and in pediatric patients above the age of ten (10) years will vary between 0.2 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg of body weight, and it must be individualized in each case. The usual dose for induction in these patients is 0.3 mg/kg, injected over a period of 30 to 60 seconds. There are inadequate data to make dosage recommendations for induction of anesthesia in patients below the age of ten (10) years; therefore, such use is not recommended. Geriatric patients may require reduced doses of etomidate.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Etomidate side effects
The most frequent adverse reactions associated with use of intravenous etomidate are transient venous pain on injection and transient skeletal muscle movements, including myoclonus: 1. Transient venous pain was observed immediately following intravenous injection of etomidate in about 20% of the patients, with considerable difference in the reported incidence (1.2% to 42%). This pain is usually described as mild to moderate in severity but it is occasionally judged disturbing. The observation of venous pain is not associated with a more than usual incidence of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis at the injection site. Pain also appears to be less frequently noted when larger, more proximal arm veins are employed and it appears to be more frequently noted when smaller, more distal, hand or wrist veins are employed. 2.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Who should not take etomidate
Etomidate is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to it.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Whether this medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made by your prescribing clinician.
Common questions
Is etomidate covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Etomidate is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get etomidate through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
How do I get an etomidate prescription with Tab?
Book a video visit with a licensed Tab clinician (unlimited visits are included with membership). If it's clinically appropriate, they send the prescription to your chosen participating pharmacy or by mail order.
What is the usual dose of etomidate?
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTATION Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is undamaged. Discard unused portion (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Etomidate Injection is intended for administration only by the intravenous route (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of etomidate?
The most frequent adverse reactions associated with use of intravenous etomidate are transient venous pain on injection and transient skeletal muscle movements, including myoclonus: 1. Transient venous pain was observed immediately following intravenous injection of etomidate in about 20% of the patients, with considerable difference in the reported incidence (1.2% to 42%). (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
Etomidate is $0 on the covered list
Members pay $0 for covered generics at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order — plus unlimited virtual primary care, urgent care and dermatology visits. No insurance needed.
Solo $49/mo · Family $119/mo for up to 4 people · Family+ $149/mo for up to 8
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