Adenosine

Section 8 - MEDICATION GUIDELINES

ANTIARRHYTHMICS

Adenosine (ADENOCARD) / Antiarrhythmic

DESCRIPTION/ACTION:

• It is a natural occurring agent that can "chemically cardiovert" Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) to a normal sinus rhythm.
• It has a half-life of 5 seconds and does not cause hypotension like Verapamil.
• Restores normal sinus rhythm by interrupting re-entrant pathways in the AV node.
• Slows conduction time through the AV node.
• Produces coronary artery vasodialation.

INDICATIONS:

• Narrow complex (PSVT) refractory to vagal maneuvers.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• 2nd and 3rd Degree Heart Block, Sick Sinus Syndrome, or known hypersensitivity to the medication.

PRECAUTIONS:

• It may cause transient arrhythmias.
• It may cause bronchospasm in asthma patients.
• Heart transplant patients may only require a smaller dosage and patients on Theophylline based medications may require larger dosage, contact MEDICAL CONTROL for consult.

DOSAGE:

• IV 12 mg by rapid IV bolus, if no results repeat 1-2 minutes later as 12 mg rapid IV bolus. Maximum total dose 24 mg.
• Pediatrics - Refer to Handtevy System for patient specific dosage
  • Premies - 13 y/o: 0.1 mg/kg (1st dose), 0.2 mg/kg (2nd dose)