How to use adenosine:
Use adenosine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Adenosine is given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
- If you miss a dose of adenosine, contact your doctor immediately.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use adenosine.
Important safety information:
- Very bad and sometimes deadly heart problems (eg, irregular heartbeat) have happened after this drug was given. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- Avoid food or drink that have caffeine (eg, coffee, tea, cocoa, cola, chocolate) before getting this drug. Talk with your doctor if you have questions.
- Lab tests, including electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure, may be performed while you use adenosine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan on becoming pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using adenosine while you are pregnant. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use adenosine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of adenosine:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Dizziness; flushing; headache; light-headedness; stomach pain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest or throat; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; one-sided weakness; seizure; severe dizziness or headache; shortness of breath or wheezing; speech or vision problems; throat, neck, or jaw pain.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Adenosine is used for:
Treating certain types of irregular heartbeat. Certain brands of adenosine are used during a stress test of the heart. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Adenosine is an antiarrhythmic and a nucleoside. It works to treat irregular heartbeat by slowing the electrical conduction in the heart, slowing heart rate, or normalizing heart rhythm. It helps during a stress test of the heart by improving blood flow to the heart.
Do NOT use adenosine if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in adenosine
- you have second- or third-degree heart block and do not have an artificial pacemaker
- you have sinus node disease (eg, sick sinus syndrome) and do not have an artificial pacemaker
- you have certain breathing problems (eg, asthma)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using adenosine:
Some medical conditions may interact with adenosine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of seizures
- if you have blood vessel problems, heart problems, low blood volume, or lung or breathing problems (eg, emphysema, bronchitis)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with adenosine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Aminophylline because the risk of seizures may be increased
- Beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), digoxin, diltiazem, or verapamil because the risk of irregular heartbeat may be increased
- Carbamazepine or dipyridamole because they may increase the risk of adenosine's side effects
- Methylxanthines (eg, caffeine, theophylline) because they may decrease adenosine's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if adenosine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
