Etomidate MOA is which of the following?

Etomidate MOA is which of the following?

• A. NMDA receptor antagonism
• B. GABA-A receptor agonist
• C. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonism
• D. Dopamine receptor antagonism

Answer: (B)

Etomidate induces hypnosis by potentiating GABA-A receptor–mediated inhibition in the CNS. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor, increasing the efficiency of GABA binding to the receptor and promoting opening of the chloride channel. This enhances chloride influx, hyperpolarizes neurons, and reduces neuronal excitability, producing rapid loss of consciousness with relatively preserved cardiovascular function. This mechanism is distinct from NMDA receptor antagonism (seen with ketamine), alpha-2 adrenergic agonism (seen with dexmedetomidine), or dopamine receptor antagonism (seen with antipsychotics).

Etomidate induces hypnosis by potentiating GABA-A receptor–mediated inhibition in the CNS. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor, increasing the efficiency of GABA binding to the receptor and promoting opening of the chloride channel. This enhances chloride influx, hyperpolarizes neurons, and reduces neuronal excitability, producing rapid loss of consciousness with relatively preserved cardiovascular function.

This mechanism is distinct from NMDA receptor antagonism (seen with ketamine), alpha-2 adrenergic agonism (seen with dexmedetomidine), or dopamine receptor antagonism (seen with antipsychotics).