About adenosine
Antiarrhythmic; nucleoside
Used for
- Rapid conversion of certain regular supraventricular tachycardias to normal rhythm
- Diagnostic aid for some heart rhythm disorders
Usual adult dose
Rapid IV bolus: 6 mg, followed by 12 mg if needed; administered with ECG monitoring.
Usual dose in children
Rapid IV bolus: 0.1 mg/kg (maximum 6 mg), then 0.2 mg/kg (maximum 12 mg) if needed.
Common side effects
- Flushing, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath
- Dizziness or headache
- Nausea
- Brief slowing or interruption of heartbeat
Important warnings
- Given rapidly into a vein with continuous heart monitoring and resuscitation equipment available
- May cause serious heart block, very slow heartbeat, or abnormal rhythms
- Not suitable for some irregular or wide-complex heart rhythms
- Effects may be stronger with dipyridamole and weaker with caffeine or theophylline
Pregnancy
May be used for urgent rhythm treatment when clinically necessary; human pregnancy data are limited.
Breastfeeding
Very brief action and rapid breakdown make significant exposure through breast milk unlikely.
Interactions
- Dipyridamole may intensify effects
- Caffeine, theophylline, and other methylxanthines may reduce effects
- Carbamazepine may increase heart block risk
- Other medicines affecting heart rhythm may increase risk
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.