Etomidate commonly causes pain on injection and venous sequelae. The component of the commercial formulation responsible for these effects is:

• A Propylene glycol solvent ✓
• B Soybean oil emulsion
• C Sodium metabisulfite preservative
• D Egg lecithin emulsifier

Explanation

Etomidate is poorly water soluble and older formulations dissolve it in 35 percent propylene glycol, a hyperosmolar solvent that accounts for pain on injection, thrombophlebitis and haemolysis after administration. Lipid emulsion vehicles are used for propofol, not etomidate. Metabisulfite preservative is relevant to some propofol formulations and allergic risk, and egg lecithin is an emulsifier rather than a venoirritant.

Reference: Stoelting's Pharmacology and Physiology in Anesthetic Practice, 5th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.