Adenosine (Adenocard)

Antidysrhythmic

Decreases conduction of electrical impulses through the A-V node. Half life is 10 seconds.

Adenosine is the drug of choice for Paroxysmal Superventricular Tachycardias (PSVT)

Patients with second or third degree heart blocks, sick sinus syndrome, A-Fib, A-Flutter, Ventricular Tachycardia, patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug.

Will cause arrhythmias at the time of cardioversion-PVC's PAC's, Sinus Brady, Varied brady's, transient Asystole may also occur; will generally last only a few seconds. Treat whatever rhythm you are presented. May cause pts with hx of asthma to have bronchospasms. Common side effects include: chest pain, flushing, headache,dyspnea, dizziness, and nausea

• Adult: Inital dose-6mg rapid IV push in a large proximal vein as close to the heart as possible (e.g. anticubital vein). It is immediately followed by a rapid Normal Saline flush and elevation of the extremity.
• If a second dose is necessary administer 12mg Rapid IV Push immediately followed by a rapid Normal Saline flush and elevation of the extremity.
• Pediatric: Inital dose-0.1mg/kg rapid IV push followed by a 5ml Normal Saline flush and elevation of the extremity.
• If a second dose is necessary administer 0.2mg/kg Rapid IV Push immediately followed by a rapid Normal Saline flush and elevation of the extremity