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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
By Selected Recovering Almighty
Generic Name
Adenosine
Active Ingredient
AdenosineCategory
Adenosine Receptor Agonist [EPC]
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| .04 g/100g | CREAM | TOPICAL | 73509-090 |
Detailed information about By Selected Recovering Almighty
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for By Selected Recovering Almighty, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Adenosine is a potent endogenous nucleoside and antiarrhythmic agent primarily used for the rapid conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and as a diagnostic tool in cardiac stress testing. It belongs to the Adenosine Receptor Agonist [EPC] class.
The administration of Adenosine for the treatment of PSVT follows a strict, standardized protocol to ensure the drug reaches the heart before it is metabolized by the blood. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the FDA-approved labeling recommend the following sequence for adult patients:
For diagnostic stress testing, Adenosine is administered as a continuous intravenous infusion rather than a bolus. The standard dose is 140 mcg/kg/min infused over a period of six minutes, for a total dose of 0.84 mg/kg.
Adenosine is approved for use in pediatric patients, including neonates, for the conversion of PSVT. The dosage is based on the child's weight:
No dosage adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment. Because Adenosine is cleared by cellular uptake and rapid metabolism in the blood, the kidneys do not play a significant role in its immediate clearance.
No dosage adjustment is required for patients with hepatic impairment. The liver is not the primary site of Adenosine metabolism.
Clinical studies have not identified significant differences in response between elderly and younger patients. However, healthcare providers exercise caution as older adults may have a higher prevalence of underlying heart disease or conduction abnormalities that could increase sensitivity to the drug.
Patients who have received a heart transplant are known to be hypersensitive to Adenosine. In these individuals, the dose should be significantly reduced (often starting at 1 mg or 3 mg) to avoid prolonged periods of heart stoppage.
Adenosine is never self-administered; it is always given by a healthcare professional in a medical facility. The method of administration is critical to the drug's efficacy:
Since Adenosine is administered by healthcare professionals in acute or diagnostic settings, missed doses in the traditional sense do not occur. If a procedure is delayed, the medical team will reschedule the administration based on clinical necessity.
Due to the extremely short half-life of Adenosine (less than 10 seconds), a true overdose is rare and usually self-limiting. However, an excessive dose could lead to:
If symptoms of overdose occur, they typically resolve within seconds to a minute. In rare cases where symptoms persist, healthcare providers may administer competitive antagonists like caffeine or theophylline, although these are rarely necessary. Supportive care, including oxygen and temporary pacing, may be employed if needed.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance. The clinical team will monitor your response using an electrocardiogram (ECG) throughout the administration.
Adenosine is known for causing a brief but intense period of side effects immediately following the injection. While these are often alarming to the patient, they usually dissipate within 60 seconds due to the drug's rapid clearance. Common side effects include:
While Adenosine is administered under medical supervision, certain reactions are considered emergencies that the clinical team is prepared to handle.
> Warning: Stop taking Adenosine and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, although in a clinical setting, your providers will be monitoring you for these events:
Because Adenosine is used for acute treatment or one-time diagnostic tests and has a half-life of seconds, there are no known 'long-term' side effects in the traditional sense (such as organ damage from chronic use). However, repeated administrations in a short period may lead to increased sensitivity or, conversely, a reduced response if the underlying condition is not addressed. Patients who have had a severe reaction to Adenosine should ensure this is noted in their permanent medical record to avoid future exposure.
As of 2026, Adenosine does not carry a traditional FDA 'Black Box' warning. However, the FDA-approved labeling contains 'Warnings' and 'Precautions' that are treated with the same level of clinical gravity. These include the risk of heart block, asystole, and the potential for fatal paradoxical airway constriction in patients with reactive airway disease.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately. Because the effects of Adenosine are so short-lived, most side effects will have passed by the time you can describe them, but it is vital to communicate exactly what you felt to your medical team.
Adenosine is a high-alert medication that must only be used in a setting with continuous cardiac monitoring and where emergency resuscitative equipment (including a defibrillator and airway management tools) is immediately available. The most important safety consideration is the drug's ability to cause a transient 'flatline' or asystole as it resets the heart rhythm. While this is usually brief, it requires expert supervision.
No FDA black box warnings for Adenosine. However, the drug carries significant warnings regarding its use in patients with certain heart and lung conditions.
During and after the administration of Adenosine, the following monitoring is mandatory:
Patients should not drive or operate machinery immediately following the administration of Adenosine. While the drug clears the system quickly, the underlying condition (PSVT) or the stress of the diagnostic procedure can cause fatigue, dizziness, or emotional distress. Patients should wait until they are fully cleared by their physician, usually after a period of observation.
There is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and Adenosine. However, alcohol can be a trigger for the very heart arrhythmias (like PSVT) that Adenosine is used to treat. Furthermore, alcohol can affect blood pressure and hydration status, potentially complicating the clinical picture during an emergency or stress test.
Adenosine is not a maintenance medication; therefore, there is no tapering requirement or withdrawal syndrome. It is a 'one-and-done' or 'as-needed' acute intervention.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially any history of asthma, lung disease, or previous heart surgery, with your healthcare provider before starting Adenosine.
While there are few 'absolute' drug contraindications for a life-saving emergency like PSVT, certain drugs significantly alter Adenosine's effect:
Adenosine does not typically interfere with standard laboratory blood tests. However, its use during a myocardial perfusion scan (thallium or technetium) is specifically intended to alter the 'test' result to show blood flow patterns. It is also important to note that the presence of theophylline in the blood should be checked if a patient does not respond to standard Adenosine doses.
Most Adenosine interactions occur at the receptor level. Methylxanthines (caffeine) have a similar molecular structure to Adenosine and 'sit' in the receptor, preventing Adenosine from entering. Dipyridamole, on the other hand, blocks the 'exit' or the transport system that takes Adenosine out of the blood and into cells, causing the drug to stay active in the bloodstream for much longer than intended.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially if you have consumed any caffeine in the last 24 hours.
Adenosine must NEVER be used in the following conditions due to the risk of fatal complications:
In these conditions, healthcare providers must perform a careful risk-benefit analysis:
There is no known cross-sensitivity between Adenosine and other classes of antiarrhythmics like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. However, patients who have had adverse reactions to ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) injections may also react to Adenosine.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any history of 'fainting spells' or lung disease, before prescribing Adenosine.
Adenosine is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. There have been no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women to determine its safety. However, because Adenosine is a naturally occurring substance in the body and has an extremely short half-life (seconds), it is often the preferred agent for treating PSVT in pregnant women when non-pharmacological measures (like the Valsalva maneuver) fail.
It is not known whether Adenosine is excreted in human milk. However, given that the drug is cleared from the systemic circulation within seconds, it is highly unlikely that any significant amount would reach the breast milk or be absorbed by a nursing infant. Most clinical guidelines suggest that breastfeeding does not need to be interrupted following the administration of Adenosine.
Adenosine is widely used and considered safe and effective for the treatment of PSVT in pediatric patients, including infants and neonates.
Elderly patients (aged 65 and older) may be more sensitive to the effects of Adenosine.
As Adenosine is not cleared by the kidneys, no dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with renal failure or those on dialysis. The drug is effectively removed from the blood by cellular uptake regardless of kidney function.
Since the liver is not the primary site of metabolism for Adenosine, patients with liver cirrhosis or hepatic failure do not require dose adjustments. The rapid deamination of Adenosine occurs in the blood and vascular endothelium.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before any medical procedure involving Adenosine.
Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside that modulates various physiological processes through four known G-protein-coupled receptors: A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. Its antiarrhythmic effect is primarily mediated by the A1 receptor in cardiac nodal tissue. Activation of the A1 receptor inhibits adenylyl cyclase, decreasing cAMP, and leads to the activation of $I_{K,Ado}$ (an inward-rectifying potassium current). This causes hyperpolarization of the cell membrane and shortens the action potential duration, specifically in the AV node. This 'stuns' the conduction system, breaking re-entrant circuits.
Its diagnostic effect is mediated by the A2A receptor in the coronary vascular smooth muscle. Activation of A2A receptors stimulates adenylyl cyclase, increasing cAMP levels, which leads to protein kinase A activation and the opening of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. This results in smooth muscle relaxation and significant vasodilation.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 100% (IV administration) |
| Protein Binding | Negligible (<5%) |
| Half-life | < 10 seconds |
| Tmax | Immediate (seconds) |
| Metabolism | Cellular uptake; Deamination to Inosine; Phosphorylation to AMP |
| Excretion | Not applicable (metabolized in blood/tissues) |
Adenosine is the prototype of the Adenosine Receptor Agonist [EPC] class. While it is an antiarrhythmic, it does not fit neatly into the traditional Vaughan-Williams classification (which includes Class I-IV), though it is sometimes grouped with Class V or 'miscellaneous' antiarrhythmics. Related medications include Regadenoson (Lexiscan), which is a selective A2A agonist used for stress testing but lacks Adenosine's antiarrhythmic properties.
Common questions about By Selected Recovering Almighty
Adenosine is primarily used as an emergency medication to treat a specific type of rapid heart rhythm called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). It works by briefly stopping the electrical signal in the heart's AV node, which allows the heart to reset to a normal rhythm. Additionally, it is used as a diagnostic tool during cardiac stress tests for patients who cannot exercise. In this role, it dilates the coronary arteries so doctors can see blood flow patterns on a scan. It is always administered by healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinical setting.
The most common side effects of Adenosine include facial flushing, shortness of breath, and chest pressure. Many patients describe a brief but intense sensation of 'impending doom' or a heavy weight on their chest immediately after the injection. Other common reactions include nausea, lightheadedness, and a metallic taste in the mouth. These side effects are typically very short-lived, usually disappearing within 60 seconds as the drug is cleared from the body. Because it is given under medical supervision, your doctors will be prepared to manage these sensations.
While there is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and Adenosine, you should avoid alcohol if you are prone to the heart arrhythmias that Adenosine treats. Alcohol can act as a trigger for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and can also affect your blood pressure. If you are scheduled for a cardiac stress test using Adenosine, your doctor will likely advise you to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours. Always follow the specific pre-procedure instructions provided by your medical facility. Discuss your alcohol consumption habits with your doctor to ensure the safest possible treatment.
Adenosine is generally considered the first-line pharmacological treatment for severe SVT in pregnant women when other maneuvers fail. It is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C, meaning there is limited data from human studies, but its extremely short half-life suggests that very little of the drug reaches the fetus. It has been used successfully throughout all trimesters without significant reported harm to the mother or baby. However, it should only be used during pregnancy when the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the risks. Your healthcare provider will make this determination based on the severity of your heart rhythm.
Adenosine works almost instantly. When given as a rapid intravenous bolus, the effects on the heart rhythm are typically seen within 10 to 30 seconds. You may feel the side effects, such as flushing or chest pressure, at the exact same time the heart rhythm changes. Because the drug's half-life is less than 10 seconds, the entire process—from the start of the injection to the return of a normal rhythm and the disappearance of side effects—usually takes less than two minutes. This rapid onset and offset make it a unique and valuable tool in emergency medicine.
Adenosine is not a medication that you take on a daily basis at home, so there is no concern about 'stopping' it suddenly. It is administered as a one-time injection or a short-term infusion in a hospital or clinic. There are no withdrawal symptoms or 'rebound' effects associated with the drug itself. However, if Adenosine was used to stop an arrhythmia, the rhythm could potentially return if the underlying cause is not treated. Your doctor will discuss long-term management strategies, such as other medications or a procedure called ablation, to prevent future episodes.
Since Adenosine is only administered by healthcare professionals in acute medical situations, it is impossible for a patient to 'miss a dose' in the way they might miss a daily pill. If you are undergoing a diagnostic stress test and the procedure is delayed, the medical team will simply administer the dose when the test begins. In an emergency setting for a rapid heart rate, the medical team determines the timing of each dose based on your heart's response. You do not need to worry about tracking doses yourself, as you will be under constant monitoring.
No, Adenosine does not cause weight gain. Weight gain is typically a side effect associated with long-term use of medications like steroids, certain antidepressants, or some diabetes drugs. Because Adenosine is used only for a few minutes in a clinical setting and is cleared from your body in less than a minute, it has no impact on your metabolism, appetite, or fat storage. Any sudden weight changes you experience should be discussed with your doctor, as they may be related to an underlying heart condition or other health issues rather than the Adenosine injection.
Adenosine can interact with several other medications, so it is vital to tell your doctor about everything you are taking. Specifically, drugs like dipyridamole can make Adenosine much stronger, while caffeine and theophylline can block its effects entirely. Other heart medications like digoxin or verapamil can increase the risk of side effects when combined with Adenosine. Your medical team will review your current medication list before the injection to ensure there are no dangerous interactions. In an emergency, they are trained to adjust the dose based on the medications you are known to be taking.
Yes, Adenosine is available as a generic medication and is produced by several pharmaceutical manufacturers. The brand name Adenocard was the original version used for heart rhythms, and Adenoscan was the version used for stress testing. Today, most hospitals use the generic version because it is equally effective and more cost-effective. Whether you receive the brand name or the generic, the active ingredient and the way it works in your body are identical. The availability of generic Adenosine ensures that this life-saving medication is widely accessible in emergency rooms and clinics worldwide.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Adenosine)