Medications

Front 1

ADENOSINE, CLASS:

Back 1

Antiarrhythmic, endogenous nucleoside

Front 2

ADENOSINE, ACTION:

Back 2

Slows conduction through the AV node of the heart. It has been proven useful in blocking reentry pathways through the AV node. It is cleared very quickly, having a half-life of less than 10 seconds.

Front 3

ADENOSINE, INDICATIONS

Back 3

Conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias (PSVT) to normal sinus rhythm (NSR).

Front 4

ADENOSINE, CONTRAINDICATIONS

Back 4

• Sick sinus syndrome.
• Second or third degree heart block.
• Dysrhythmias other than PSVT.

Front 5

ADENOSINE, SIDE EFFECTS

Back 5

• Dyspnea and bronchoconstriction (especially in patients with asthma and COPD>
• Palpitations and chest pain.
• Hypotension.
• Transient PAC’s or PVC’s.
• Facial flushing and headache.
• At the time of conversion, a variety of new rhythms may appear on the EKG. Short-lasting first, second, or third degree heart block or transient asystole may result after administration. Due to the drug’s short half-life, these effects are generally self-limiting.
• In doses of 6.0 to 12.0 mg, there are usually no hemodynamic side effects, i.e. hypotension.

Front 6

ADENOSINE, IMPORTANT POINTS:

Back 6

• A reduced dose must be used in heart transplant recipients.
• After administration of adenosine, a rhythm other than PSVT may be evident, resulting in the choosing of a different form of treatment.
• Methyxanthines may decrease the effectiveness of adenosine thus requiring larger doses.

Front 7

ADENOSINE,
ADULT ROUTE AND DOSAGE:

Back 7

• Adult: First dose at 6.0 mg rapid IV push with normal saline flush. May repeat twice at 12.0-mg rapid IV push with normal saline flush.

Front 8

ADENOSINE
PEDIATRIC ROUTE AND DOSAGE:

Back 8

• Pediatric: Do not give to patients < 12 years of age without a physician’s order. First dose is 0.1 mg/kg (maximum 6 mg.) rapid IV/IO push with normal saline flush. Second dose-0.2 mg/kg (maximum 12 mg.) rapid IV/IO push with normal saline flush