Introduction: Induction with suitable drug by intravenous route for induction of anaesthesia is an important element of anaesthesia management. Patients are susceptible to hemodynamic liability at the time of induction. Thus, an agent with least effect on hemodynamics would be the agent of choice. Aim: To compare the induction characteristics of Etomidate and Thiopentone Sodium during induction of general anaesthesia. Objective: To observe the Hemodynamic changes during induction with Etomidate and Thiopentone sodium (Heart rate, Systolic Blood pressure, Diastolic Blood pressure, Mean arterial pressure). Settings and design: The study was conducted in the department of anaesthesia of BVP MCH, over a period of two year from June 2014-2016, on patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Methods: 60 adult patients aged 18 – 50 years, belonging to ASA grade 1 and 2, undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia, were divided randomly into two groups of 30 patients each. Group T patients were induced with injection thiopentone sodium 5 mg/kg, Group E with injection etomidate 0.3 mg/kg intravenously. Statistical analysis: Data are presented as mean and standard deviation. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. A “p” value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: There was no significant change in mean heart rate at one, two and three minute after induction as compared with the mean heart rate at the time of induction in both groups(p>0.05). In Groups T and E there was a significant fall in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure at one, two and three minute after induction, as compared to the induction value (p<0.05). Conclusion: Etomidate offers superior hemodynamic stability during induction compared to Thiopentone. Thus Etomidate is a better induction agent for general anaesthesia
