Adenosine is marketed under the brand names Adenocard and Adenoscan. Adenocard is used to treat certain types of cardiac arrhythmias with the goal of returning the heart to a normal beating rhythm. It is primarily used to treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, which is a rapid heart rate that originates in the atria. It works by slowing electrical conduction and thereby lowering heart rate. Adenoscan is used during perfusion scans and not as a treatment on its own.
Administration
Adenosine treatment is usually performed in a clinical setting like a doctor's office, hospital or clinic. It is administered by injecting the liquid drug into an IV line, a method known as IV push. Adenosine is injected rapidly, within two seconds, and followed by a rapid flush of saline. According to drugs.com, Adenosine may also be injected directly into a vein. A minimum dose is given and if normal heart rate does not occur within two minutes, the procedure is repeated until maximum dosage has been administered.
Dosage
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends an initial adult dosage of 6mg by IV push. If unsuccessful, it can be followed by a dose of 12mg. The 12mg dose can be given a second time if paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia persists. Children weighing 50kg and above are treated with Adenosine in the same manner as adults. Children who weigh less than 50kg begin with an initial dose of 0.05 to 0.1mg/kg and repeat that dose up to a maximum of 0.3mg/kg or a total of 12mg.
Side Effects
Adenosine may worsen asthma symptoms and cause other respiratory side effects like shortness of breath and a feeling of pressure on the chest. Adenosine may also cause low blood pressure, chest pain and facial flushing. It might cause headache, nausea, dizziness and tingling of the arms. The body metabolizes adenosine rapidly and most side effects are short-lived. However, there is a rare risk of prolonged changes in heart rhythm like asystole (the heart stops beating).
Contraindications
Adenosine slows conduction in the atria; therefore, it should not be given with certain heart rhythm abnormalities as it could make them worse. These include atrial flutter, sick sinus syndrome, AV block, atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
