Product Details

Adenosine

A to Z Drug Facts

Adenosine

Action
Indications
Contraindications
Route/Dosage
Interactions
Lab Test Interferences
Adverse Reactions
PrecautionsPatient Care Considerations
Administration/Storage
Assessment/Interventions
Patient/Family Education

(ah-DEN-oh-seen)Adenocard, AdenoscanClass: Antiarrhythmic

 Action Slows conduction through atrioventricular (AV) node; can interrupt reentry pathways through AV node and restore normal sinus rhythm.

 Indications Conversion to sinus rhythm of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), including that associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Unlabeled use (s): Noninvasive assessment of patients with suspected coronary artery disease in conjunction with thallium tomography. Used with BCNU for treatment of brain tumors.

 Contraindications Second- or third-degree AV block or sick sinus syndrome (except in patients with functioning artificial pacemaker); atrial flutter; atrial fibrillation; ventricular tachycardia.

 Route/Dosage

ADULTS: Initial dose: IV 6 mg as rapid IV bolus (over 1 to 2 sec). REPEAT ADMINISTRATION: If first dose does not eliminate PSVT within 1 to 2 min, give 12 mg as rapid IV bolus; 12 mg dose may be repeated a second time if necessary. Doses > 12 mg are not recommended.

 Interactions

Caffeine, theophylline: Antagonize effects of adenosine; larger doses of adenosine may be needed. Carbamazepine: May produce higher degrees of heart block. Dipyridamole: Potentiates effects of adenosine; smaller doses may be adequate.

 Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

 Adverse Reactions

CV: Facial flushing; headache; chest pain; hypotension. CNS: Lightheadedness, dizziness, tingling in arms; numbness. GI: Nausea. RESP: Dyspnea; shortness of breath; chest pressure.

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Undetermined. Arrhythmias: At time of conversion to normal sinus rhythm, new arrhythmias may appear on ECG; these are usually self-limiting. Asthma: Adenosine may cause bronchoconstriction. Heart block: Drug may produce short-lasting heart block. Patients in whom high-level heart block (eg, third-degree) develops after one dose should not receive repeat doses.

PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS

 

 Administration/Storage

• Administer by rapid IV bolus only.
• Administer either directly into vein or, if given into IV line, in most proximal IV line and follow with rapid saline solution flush.
• Do not administer if solution is cloudy or if sediment is present.
• Discard unused portion.
• Store at room temperature.
• Do not refrigerate because crystallization may occur. If crystallization has occurred, dissolve crystals by warming to room temperature.

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies or asthma.
• Monitor BP and cardiac rhythm during and after administration.
• Monitor for transient asystole, which may develop during administration.

 Patient/Family Education

• Inform patient to report the following symptoms to physician: Facial flushing, headache, shortness of breath, chest pressure, lightheadedness, dizziness, tingling in arms, numbness or nausea.

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Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts