Comprehensive Product Description: Adenosine Injection

Adenosine Injection is a prescription-only antiarrhythmic agent used for the rapid conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) to normal sinus rhythm. It works by slowing conduction time through the atrioventricular node. Available at EZ Chemist for emergency cardiovascular support.

Adenosine Injection

Adenosine

Adenocor

Adenocard

ATP Injection

Purinergic Receptor Agonist Injection

Therapeutic Class: Antiarrhythmic agent

Pharmacologic Class: Nucleoside/Purinergic receptor agonist

ATC Code: C01EB10

Prescription Status: Rx Only

Route of Administration: Intravenous (IV) bolus

Adenosine (USP Grade)

Strengths Commonly Available:

3 mg/mL

6 mg/2 mL vial

12 mg/4 mL vial

Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside that acts on A1 adenosine receptors in the heart. It causes transient heart block in the atrioventricular (AV) node by inhibiting cyclic AMP accumulation, thereby slowing conduction time. This action interrupts re-entry pathways that cause supraventricular tachycardia, restoring normal sinus rhythm.

It has a very short half-life (less than 10 seconds), making it ideal for emergency use.

Adenosine Injection is indicated for:

Rapid conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) to normal sinus rhythm

Including PSVT associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome

Diagnostic evaluation of stable, wide-complex tachycardia of uncertain origin

Adults:
Initial Dose: 6 mg rapid IV bolus over 1–2 seconds

If not effective within 1–2 minutes:

Second Dose: 12 mg rapid IV bolus

A third 12 mg dose may be given if needed

Maximum single dose: 12 mg

Children (Weight-based):
Initial dose: 0.05–0.1 mg/kg IV bolus

Maximum pediatric dose: 0.3 mg/kg or up to 12 mg

Administer via peripheral or central line, followed by a rapid saline flush

Must be administered in hospital or emergency settings with cardiac monitoring

For IV use only in monitored clinical environments

Do not dilute or mix with other drugs in the same IV line

Monitor ECG and vital signs continuously during administration

Not effective for atrial fibrillation, flutter, or ventricular tachycardia

Contraindications:
2nd or 3rd-degree AV block without pacemaker

Sick sinus syndrome (except in pacemaker patients)

Known hypersensitivity to adenosine

Asthma or severe COPD due to risk of bronchospasm

Very Common (>10%):
Flushing

Chest discomfort or pain

Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

Feeling of pressure in the head or body

Transient arrhythmias

Common (1–10%):
Dizziness

Nausea

Palpitations

Throat tightness

Rare but Serious:
Bronchospasm (especially in asthmatic patients)

Prolonged asystole or AV block

Hypotension

Seizures (extremely rare)

Use with caution in patients with pre-existing arrhythmias, asthma, or hypotension

Avoid in patients on dipyridamole or carbamazepine, as these may enhance adenosine’s effects

Avoid concurrent use with theophylline, which can block the action of adenosine

Must be administered in resuscitation-ready environments

Dipyridamole: Increases adenosine effect—may require dose reduction

Carbamazepine: Increases AV block risk

Theophylline & Caffeine: Antagonize adenosine action—may need higher doses

Digitalis Glycosides: Increases risk of ventricular fibrillation

Clinical Studies and Data:
Adenosine restores sinus rhythm in >90% of PSVT cases within seconds (DiMarco et al., Circulation, 1990)

Its short half-life and transient effect make it ideal for diagnostic and emergency cardiac use

Recommended in ACLS guidelines for acute PSVT management

FAQs – Adenosine Injection
Q1: What is Adenosine Injection used for?
A: It is used to rapidly restore normal heart rhythm in patients experiencing PSVT, especially in emergency settings.

Q2: How quickly does it work?
A: Within seconds. Most patients convert to sinus rhythm within 10–30 seconds of Injection.

Q3: Can Adenosine Injection be self-administered?
A: No. It must be given by a healthcare professional under cardiac monitoring in a hospital or emergency care setting.

Q4: Are there any lifestyle restrictions during treatment?
A: No long-term lifestyle changes are required, but caffeine should be avoided during treatment as it reduces efficacy.

Q5: Is Adenosine safe in pregnancy?
A: It is categorized as Pregnancy Category C. It should only be used if clearly needed and prescribed by a physician.