About adenosine usp
Antiarrhythmic nucleoside
Used for
- Rapid conversion of certain supraventricular tachycardias to normal rhythm
- Diagnostic aid for certain abnormal heart rhythms during cardiac testing
Usual adult dose
For supraventricular tachycardia: 6 mg rapid intravenous push, then 12 mg if needed; given with continuous monitoring.
Usual dose in children
For supraventricular tachycardia: 0.1 mg/kg rapid intravenous push (maximum 6 mg), then 0.2 mg/kg if needed (maximum 12 mg).
Common side effects
- Flushing, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath
- Dizziness, headache, or nausea
- Brief heart block or slowed heartbeat
- Rarely, severe bronchospasm or prolonged abnormal rhythm
Important warnings
- Use only with continuous heart-rhythm monitoring and resuscitation equipment available.
- May cause brief pauses in heartbeat, low blood pressure, or serious rhythm problems.
- Avoid in certain heart blocks or sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker.
- Use caution with asthma or other bronchospastic lung disease.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically necessary; human pregnancy data are limited.
Breastfeeding
Limited information is available; a single dose is unlikely to require stopping breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Dipyridamole can intensify its effects; lower doses may be needed.
- Caffeine and theophylline may reduce its effects.
- Carbamazepine may increase the risk of heart block.
- Other medicines affecting heart rhythm may alter its effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.