| Adenosine |
Mechanism of Action
Adenosine is a endogenous purine nucleoside. It acts directly on sinus
pacemaker cells and vagal nerve terminals to decrease chronotropic and
dromotropic activity. Additionally it slows conduction through the AV node,
interrupts AV-nodal reentry pathways, and can convert PSVT to a sinus
rythym. Commonly known as the "chemical cardioverter"
Indications
Initial therapy for rapid supraventricular arrythymias (by slowing down the
rythym, diagnosis will be easier)
Conversion of paroxsysmal supraventricular tachycardia
Effective in the treatment of Wolff-Parkinson's-White syndrome
Packaging
6 mg in 2 ml (pre-pack)
Drug box inventory = 5
Onset & Duration
Onset: 30 sec
Duration: 10 sec
Doses and Administration
Give 6 mg rapid (1-3 seconds) IV bolus, followed by 20 ml flush
If ineffective or if PSVT returns, 12 mg rapid IV bolus, followed by 20 ml flush
If ineffective or if PSVT returns, 12 mg rapid IV bolus, followed by 20 ml flush
Precautions
IV must be established at the AC site or better for adenosine to be effective.
A brief period of asystole, or sinus arrest may follow adminstration.
Temporary side effects include:
Flushing
Dyspnea
Chest pain
Should be used with caution in patients with denervated, transplanted hearts.
Pediatrics
Dose: 0.1 mg/kg rapid IVP with a saline flush
Second Dose: 0.2 mg/kg rapid IVP with a saline flush
Adenosine is a endogenous purine nucleoside. It acts directly on sinus
pacemaker cells and vagal nerve terminals to decrease chronotropic and
dromotropic activity. Additionally it slows conduction through the AV node,
interrupts AV-nodal reentry pathways, and can convert PSVT to a sinus
rythym. Commonly known as the "chemical cardioverter"
Indications
Initial therapy for rapid supraventricular arrythymias (by slowing down the
rythym, diagnosis will be easier)
Conversion of paroxsysmal supraventricular tachycardia
Effective in the treatment of Wolff-Parkinson's-White syndrome
Packaging
6 mg in 2 ml (pre-pack)
Drug box inventory = 5
Onset & Duration
Onset: 30 sec
Duration: 10 sec
Doses and Administration
Give 6 mg rapid (1-3 seconds) IV bolus, followed by 20 ml flush
If ineffective or if PSVT returns, 12 mg rapid IV bolus, followed by 20 ml flush
If ineffective or if PSVT returns, 12 mg rapid IV bolus, followed by 20 ml flush
Precautions
IV must be established at the AC site or better for adenosine to be effective.
A brief period of asystole, or sinus arrest may follow adminstration.
Temporary side effects include:
Flushing
Dyspnea
Chest pain
Should be used with caution in patients with denervated, transplanted hearts.
Pediatrics
Dose: 0.1 mg/kg rapid IVP with a saline flush
Second Dose: 0.2 mg/kg rapid IVP with a saline flush
