• J Schüttler, H Schwilden, and H Stoeckel.
• Eur J Anaesthesiol. 1985 Jun 1;2(2):133-42.

AbstractEtomidate was administered to six healthy volunteers by microprocessor controlled infusions, to generate three cycles of linearly increasing plasma levels, with an anticipated slope of 0.05 microgram ml-1 min-1. The infusions were stopped when a deep hypnotic state was obtained, as indicated by burst suppressions in the EEG. The infusions were restarted when the volunteers were fully orientated to person, place and time. The mean (+/-SD) doses of etomidate delivered by the first, second and third infusion were 165 +/- 30, 137 +/- 25 and 157 +/- 26 mg, respectively. Certain clinical signs were observed and related to the plasma concentrations of etomidate. Pharmacokinetic analysis was undertaken using an open two-compartment model. The therapeutic window was in a range of plasma concentrations between 0.3 and 1.0 microgram ml-1 of etomidate. Pharmacokinetic analysis gave a volume for the central compartment of 50 +/- 11 litre, an apparent volume of distribution of 252 +/- 51 litre and a total clearance of 1693 +/- 504 ml min-1. Microprocessor controlled infusions can serve as a powerful tool for research in clinical pharmacology. The achievement of linearly increasing plasma levels of etomidate allowed further pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modelling concepts to be realized.

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