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adenosine

Generic Adenocard

Used for PSVT

Adenosine is an injectable medication used to treat certain types of irregular heart rhythm problems. This medication is also used for diagnosing heart problems during a heart stress test. It's a very quick-acting medication that's given through the vein by a trained healthcare provider.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 3, 2022

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What is Adenosine?

What is Adenosine used for?

Certain types of irregular heart rhythms
Diagnosis of certain heart problems in people who can't exercise for a stress test

How Adenosine works

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAdenocard (brand no longer available)

Drug ClassAntiarrhythmic / Diagnostic agent

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Frequently asked questions about Adenosine

What is adenosine used for?

Adenosine is used to treat certain types of irregular heart rhythms. It also can be used during a stress test to diagnose certain heart problems, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, or heart rhythm problems.

How does adenosine work?

Adenosine works by binding (attaching) to certain receptors in your heart that are responsible for controlling the rhythm of your heartbeat. When adenosine binds to these receptors, it slows down your heart rate. For stress tests, adenosine works by opening your blood vessels. This helps raise bloodflow and allows your provider to see problems with your blood vessels on imaging.

How is adenosine given?

To treat irregular heart rhythms, adenosine is typically given in the hospital as a fast injection through the veins (intravenously or IV). It's immediately followed by a normal saline injection ("flush"), which helps adenosine reach your heart very quickly. This is needed because adenosine doesn't last very long in the body before it gets broken down. For heart stress tests, adenosine is also given IV, but at a slower speed over about 6 minutes. Stress tests can be performed at a provider's office, clinic, or hospital.

How much adenosine will I receive?

For the treatment of irregular heart rhythms, the typical starting dose for adults and children weighing at least 110 lbs is 6 mg given IV over 1 to 2 seconds. If the first dose doesn't treat the irregular heartbeat, a 12 mg dose is usually given right after, which can be repeated again if needed. The dose for children weighing less than 110 lbs is based on their body weight. Treatment generally follows the same order of steps as for adults (higher doses given after the first if the irregular heart rhythm hasn't resolved yet). For stress testing, the typical dose in adults is based on body weight (140 mcg/kg of body weight per minute) given through the vein over 6 minutes.

What are the side effects of adenosine?

Some possible side effects include chest pressure, skin flushing (sudden reddening of the skin), headache, lightheadedness, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, and nervousness. Since adenosine doesn't last very long in the body, these side effects usually go away quickly.

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Interactions between Adenosine and other drugs

Adenosine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Adenosine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Dipyridamole

Adenosine images

This medicine is Colorless Vial.colorless - Adenosine 3mg / mL Solution for Injection

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