Background Etomidate is one of the general anesthetics used widely in clinical practice, which has little effect on both respiration and circulation. And it also has advantage in fast induction and recovery. But the etomidate-related myoclonus in anesthetic induction is still one of the challenges anesthetists have to cope with, and it has become a research hotspot in both domestic and overseas. Objective The aim of this review was to discuss the prevention of etomidate-related myoclonus in anesthetic induction. Content The issue was discussed through the following aspects: the grading and mechanism of myoclonus and the effect of pretreatment of different kinds of drug for the prevetion of myoclonic movements following etomidate induction. Trend Drugs of different types, such as benzodiazepine, opiates and muscle relaxants, can be effective against etomidate-related myoclonus. However, the optimal drug, dosage and mechanism in myoclonus prevention need further research.