From Ask Dr Wiki
Characteristics
- Is a naturally occurring endogenous nucleoside
- Adenosine exerts both slows the sinus rate and slows conduction through the AV node
- It is an effective drug for terminating SVTs that include the AV Node
- It also can be used as a diagnostic agent to differentiate SVTs and differentiating between VT and SVT with aberrant conduction.
- VTs that are catecholamine dependent or triggered may respond to adenosine. Some RVOT tachycardias and fascicular tachycardias can be adenosine sensitive.
- The half-life is less than 10 seconds so the drug must be administered through central access or given through a peripheral IV at a higher dosage.
- Kidney or Liver disease have no effect on the metabolism of adenosine.
- The side effects of chest pain, dyspnea, hypotension, dizziness and flushing are transient.
- Adenosine can precipitate AF by shortening the atrial refractory period and can occur in 5 - 15% of patients
Use
- Dose: 6mg, 12mg, 18mg
- Route:Either Centrally of through a peripheral IV with a rapid saline flush
- Reduce Dose: In patients taking dipyridamole because it inhibits adenosine degradation
- Increase dose: caffeine and theophylline inhibit adenosine by binding to A1 and A2 receptors, Valvular regurgitation, Left to Right Shunt
- Avoid in People with Reactive Airway Disease
