etomidate and diluting

[tech1000]

I have never diluted my etomidate to give IVP during conscious sedations, but today was asked by another nurse if he should dilute it. I don't typically because if the MD pushes it, I know exactly how much there is in the syringe per mL. I looked it up and it said to give in a central venous access if possible, but not much about diluting it. Any input?

[Sassy5d]

I've never heard of diluting it. But I'll be looking it up

[Sassy5d]

Drug reference specifically says undiluted 30-60 secs

[tech1000]

I guess uptodate failed me! Or in the midst of a crazy day and now a frazzled evening, my reading skills are lacking. Thanks for checking and being my second set of eyes!

[Sassy5d]

I think it also specifically states to avoid central venous access lol

[tech1000]

Well I've only ever given it peripherally AND undiluted! Whew!

[JBudd, MSN]

We are no longer allowed to push etomidate, only the doc. We draw it up and hand them the syringe with the exact dose. No dilution here, just use a running IV line.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

If Etomidate absolutely required dilution and/or central access ... it would be a poor choice for RSI, now wouldn't it?

[tech1000]

Well that's what I thought! That's why it really never even crossed my mind to dilute it until somebody asked me! And even when the docs push meds, they have no idea what needs to be diluted or not! I just hand them the syringe, tell them what it is, and tell them how many mg/ml!

I guess uptodate failed me!

How so?

I've never found UpToDate to be anything besides authoritative.

For drugs, however, I find LexiComp to be a better source than UpToDate.

If Etomidate absolutely required dilution and/or central access ... it would be a poor choice for RSI, now wouldn't it?

I was just about to post that but figured I should read through to see if somebody already had.

Emergency meds don't require anything besides drawing up and giving.