The exact mechanism of action of etomidate is not well defined. Etomidate causes minimal hemodynamic changes and little effect on the cardiovascular system when compared to other injectable anesthetic agents. At usual doses, etomidate has little effect on respiratory rate or rhythm. Etomidate decreases cerebral blood flow and oxygen consumption. It usually lowers intraocular pressure and causes slight decreases in intracranial pressure. The reported therapeutic index (toxic dose/therapeutic dose) for etomidate is 16. Therapeutic indexes for propofol and thiopental are 3 and 5 respectively.
For rapid, humane euthanasia in animals not intended for food purposes. Individual products may be approved for use in specific species. “The advantages of using barbiturates for euthanasia in small animals far outweigh the disadvantages. Intravenous injection of a barbituric acid derivative is the preferred method for euthanasia of dogs, cats, other small animals, and horses. Intraperitoneal injection may be used in situations when an intravenous injection would be distressful or even dangerous. Intracardiac injection must only be used if the animal is heavily sedated, unconscious, or anesthetized.” (AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia, 2007)
劑量數字暫停提供：VetPro 的劑量改依 DRUGAPI 藥物資料庫對外的內容，DRUGAPI 目前不提供可直接計算的劑量。下方列出 DRUGAPI 的審查結論與劑量審查引用的來源；計算機可手動輸入劑量換算。
確認物種、個別病況、麻醉目的、完整麻醉計畫與復甦準備。 核對實際產品、濃度、溶媒、容器、效期、法規身分與取得來源。 另外建立止痛計畫；依託咪酯的麻醉誘導作用不得視為止痛。 麻醉前、麻醉中與恢復期由受訓團隊持續監測氧合、通氣、循環、體溫與恢復品質。 犬、貓、雪貂、兔、人類、單次誘導、持續輸注與不同合併用藥資料不得互換。
依出現頻率分組；嚴重副作用獨立列出，臨床上需立即辨識。