Class
Description
Onset and Duration
Indications
Contraindications
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
How Supplied
Dosage and Administration
Special Considerations
Endogenous nucleotide
Adenosine is primarily formed from the breakdown product of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Both compounds are found in every cell of the human body and have a wide range of metabolic roles. Adenosine slows tachycardias associated with the AV node via modulation of the autonomic nervous system without causing negative inotropic effects. It acts directly on sinus pacemaker cells and vagal nerve terminals to decrease chronotropic and dromotropic activity. Adenosine is the drug of choice for paroxysmal supraventricular tachvcardia (PSVT) and can be used diagnostically for stable, wide complex tachyardias of unknown type after two doses of lidocaine.
Onset: 30 sec
Duration: 10 sec
Conversion of PSVT to sinus rhythm
Second- or third-degree AV block, or sick-sinus syndrome.
Atrial flutter.
Atrial fibrillation.
Ventricular tachycardia.
Hypersensitivity to adenosine
Facial flushing
Lightheadedness
Paresthesia
Headache
Diaphoresis
Palpitations
Chest pain
Hypotension
Nausea
Metallic taste
Shortness of breath
Methylxanthines (for example, caffeine and theophylline) antagonize the action of adenosine. Dipyridamole potentiates the effect of adenosine; reduction of adenosine dose may be required. Carbamazepine may potentiate the AV-nodal blocking effect of adenosine.
Parenteral for IV injection 3 mg/ml in 2-ml flip-top vials
Pregnancy safety: Category C.
May produce bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma or bronchopulmonary disease.