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 6 mg by rapid IV bolus, if no results repeat 1-2 minutes later as 12 mg rapid IV bolus. Maximum total dose 18 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)