Paramedic Drug Facts: Adenosine

Adenosine

Trade Name: Adenocard

CLASS: Antiarrhythmic
ACTIONS: Slows (decreases) AV conduction
INDICATIONS: Symptomatic PSVT, including Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW)
PHARMACOKINETICS:

Onset: 20 – 35 seconds
Peak Effect: 20 – 35 seconds
Duration: 30 – 120 seconds
Half Life: 10 seconds
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Second or third degree heart block, sick-sinus syndrome, known
hypersensitivity to the drug, dysrhythmias other than PSVT, reactive airway diseases like asthmea.
PRECAUTIONS: Arrhythmias, including blocks, are common at the time of cardioversion.
Use with caution in patients with asthma.
SIDE EFFECTS:
CNS: Dizziness, near syncope, syncope
CV: PVCs, PACs, sinus tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, AV blocks, chest pain, facial flushing,
headache
Resp: SOB, bronchoconstriction
GI/GU: Nausea
DOSAGE:
ADULT: 6 mg rapid IV bolus over 1-2s; after 1-2 minutes, 12-mg dose over 1-2 seconds.
PEDIATRIC: Initial dose: 0.1mg/kg; max 1st does = 6mg; Rapid IV bolus w/5cc flush
ROUTES: IV with 20cc flush