Introduction: Etomidate is recommended for induction in patients with poor left ventricular (LV) function.Thiopentone has been the routine induction agent of anaesthesia since 1930‘s because of its rapid and predictable action. Hence the present study allows evaluation of Etomidate in comparison with Thiopentone sodium as an induction agent.

Materials and Methods: Total of 120 patients between the age ranges of 20 to 70 years were included in the study. All the patients were scheduled to undergo the elective surgery under general anaesthesia. They weredivided into two groups: Group A: comprised of 60 patients induced with injection etomidate 0.3 mg/kg IV for general anaesthesia. Group B: comprised of 60 patients induced with injection Thiopentone 5 mg/kg IV forgeneral anaesthesia.

Results: The mean induction time for etomidate for group A was found to be 23±5 seconds and the meaninduction time for Thiopentone for group B was found to be 33±6 seconds. There is significant increase in heart rate after intubation in thiopentone group as compared to etomidate group. During induction there was decrease in respiratory rate in both groups and when the comparison was done the more decrease was found in group B that is in patients with thiopentone group. 

Conclusion: By the present study it can be concluded the induction time was lesser in Etomidate and the incidence of aponea was more in Thiopentone. Etomidate is an effective and rapid acting induction anestheticagent with good cardiovascular stability and respiratory stability. Its side effects can be reduced to minimum by proper premedication and suitable IV Anaesthetic techniques.