Adenosine Injection

Adenosine injection is a medication primarily used for its effects on the heart. It has several important applications and properties:

Uses

1. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Adenosine is commonly used to treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), a condition where the heart beats abnormally fast.

2. Diagnostic Purposes: It can be used in cardiac stress tests to help diagnose coronary artery disease. Adenosine dilates the coronary arteries, which helps to assess blood flow to the heart muscle.

Mechanism of Action

Adenosine works by slowing down the electrical conduction in the heart, particularly through the atrioventricular (AV) node. This helps to restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of SVT.

Administration

- Intravenous (IV) Injection: Adenosine is administered through an IV for rapid onset of action. It is given in a hospital or clinical setting due to its immediate effects and potential for causing significant side effects.

 Dosage

The initial dose for treating SVT is typically 6 mg administered as a rapid IV push. If the first dose is ineffective, a second dose of 12 mg may be given after 1-2 minutes. Sometimes, a third dose of 12 mg can be administered if necessary.

 Side Effects

Common side effects include:

- Facial flushing

- Shortness of breath

- Chest pain

- Dizziness

- Nausea

Due to its short half-life (less than 10 seconds), these side effects are usually transient.

 Precautions and Contraindications

- Asthma or COPD: Adenosine can cause bronchospasm, so it should be used with caution or avoided in patients with reactive airway diseases.

- Heart Block: It should not be used in patients with second- or third-degree AV block unless they have a functioning artificial pacemaker.

- Sick Sinus Syndrome: Adenosine should be used with caution in patients with this condition.

Monitoring

Patients receiving adenosine should be closely monitored, typically with continuous ECG monitoring and vital signs observation, to ensure the heart rhythm normalizes and to manage any adverse effects promptly.