Etomidate Induced Seizure: Adverse Drug Event Case Report

Abstract

Objective/purpose: To report a case of etomidate induced seizure in a patient that received 0.15 mg/kg of etomidate for a procedural sedation which resolved without intervention.

Summary: A 68-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a dislocated shoulder. Etomidate was given to the patient for procedural sedation to allow the physician to reduce the shoulder dislocation. Upon administration of the medication, the patient began seizing; this lasted for about 2 minutes. No medications were needed for cessation of the seizure.

Conclusion: A causality assessment determined that the adverse effect of the epileptogenic action in etomidate was possible. Limited data is available in regard to the incidence rate of this adverse effect.

Keywords: adverse drug reaction; etomidate; procedural sedation; sedation; seizure.