Adenosine

Front 1

trade names

Back 1

adenocard

Front 2

classification

Back 2

antidysrhythmic agent

Front 3

action

Back 3

terminates supraventricular dysrhythmias.
depresses automaticity in the sinus node.
supresses AV conduction.

Front 4

indications

Back 4

perfusing PSVT unresponsive to valsalva.
poorly perfusing PSVT in a conscious patient.

Front 5

contraindications

Back 5

history of sick sinus syndrome.
second or third degree block.
patients known to be taking: Persantine (dipyridamole), Tegretol (carbamazepine)

Front 6

adverse effects

Back 6

Cardiovascular: chest pain/pressure, hypotension, bradycardia/asystole, 2nd or 3rd degree blocks, PACs/PVCs
Respiratory: dyspnea/shortness of breath, bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients
Neurological: seizures, headache, blurred vision, tingling/numbness, lightheadedness, dizziness

Front 7

administration

Back 7

6mg RAPID IV/IO, within 1-3 seconds, followed by rapid flush of 10-20ml NS. May repeat 12mg in 1-2 minutes (x2)

Front 8

pediactrics

Back 8

0.1mg/kg RAPID IV/IO within 1-3 seconds, followed by rapid flush 10ml NS. May repeat 0.2mg/kg IV/IO in 1-2 minutes x1

Front 9

onset

Back 9

immediate

Front 10

duration

Back 10

less than 10 seconds

Front 11

precautions

Back 11

because of short duration, in order to ensure rapid administration into central circulation:
- cannulate a large vein (antecubital fossa) using an 18g-20g catheter.
-Use IV port closest to patient and immediately flush with 10-20ml NS to ensure drug is administered as rapidly as possible.

Front 12

notes

Back 12

It is important to document patient response. Monitor patient continually; run a 6 second strip before, during and after administration.
Adverse effects of chest pain, hypotension or shortness of breath will resolve spontaneously within 1-2 minutes.
Persantine and Tegretol potentiate the actions of adenosine which may result in 2nd/ 3rd degree heart blocks.
Theophylline and Xanithine preparations may render adenosine ineffective.
Adenosine will not convert sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation to a normal sinus rhythm, but may cause a transient slowing of the heart rate in atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response.