Authorities warn about 'etomidate' in vapes: what exactly is it?
The powerful anaesthetic is used in lethal injections in the United States and has been found in illegal vapes sold in Melbourne.
VICTORIAN health authorities have issued an urgent warning after a powerful sedative used to knock patients unconscious during surgery was found in illegal vapes sold in Melbourne.
The Department of Health said vape products containing etomidate were detected in the city this month and urged anyone who suspected they may have used one to call Triple Zero (000).
Etomidate is a fast-acting anaesthetic administered intravenously in hospitals during emergency procedures such as intubation and resetting broken bones.
It is designed to render a patient unconscious within seconds under strict clinical supervision.
But the substance has increasingly been found in illicit vape products sold on the black market across the Asia-Pacific region and is now turning up in Australia.
The department said inhaling etomidate through a vape can cause rapid onset deep sedation, confusion, vomiting, loss of consciousness and dangerously slow or ineffective breathing.
Those effects can become life-threatening when combined with alcohol, opioids or other sedatives.
"Repeated exposure to etomidate may interfere with the body's stress hormone system," a department spokesperson said.
"This can cause weakness, dizziness, confusion and collapse.
"This can be dangerous, especially during a period of illness, injury or other physical stress."
The warning said illicit vapes sold under brand names such as "space oil", "k-pods" or "space vapes" may contain etomidate or other potent opioids.
The specific product identified in Melbourne was described as a thin bronze or gold disposable vape branded "HSU" and "RELX" and stamped with a crown.
Critically, the department warned that Naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, does not work on etomidate.
The substance is so dangerous that the US state of Florida uses it as the first drug in its three-drug lethal injection protocol.
It is administered to render the condemned unconscious before two further drugs stop their breathing and heart.
The presence of etomidate in illicit vapes has already triggered crackdowns overseas.
Singapore classified the substance as a controlled drug under its Misuse of Drugs Act in September 2025 after its Health Minister revealed one in three vapes seized during enforcement operations contained etomidate.
Several deaths have been linked to etomidate abuse in the country.
In New Zealand, multiple people were hospitalised in late 2025 after vapes laced with the substance were detected on the black market.
Authorities there reported seizures, severe low blood sugar and breathing difficulties among users.
Under Australian law, vapes can only be legally sold through pharmacies.
But illicit vape shops remain widespread and the Australian Border Force has seized more than 19 million vapes, pods and related items worth more than $1 billion since importation laws were overhauled in January 2024.
Anyone who suspects they have ingested etomidate should call Triple Zero (000).
For support with alcohol or drug use call DirectLine on 1800 888 236.