Adenosine (By injection)
a-DEN-oh-seen
Treats arrhythmias (uneven heartbeat). Also used during a heart stress test.
Drug classes
Antiarrhythmic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Adenosine injection is used in combination with Thallium-201 as a pharmacologic stress agent for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in patients unable to undergo adequate exercise stress. This medicine works by dilating the arteries of the heart and increase blood flow to help identify coronary artery disease.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose. This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how adenosine works. Tell your doctor if you are using aminophylline, carbamazepine, digoxin, dipyridamole, theophylline, verapamil, or blood pressure medicines.
Do not eat or drink anything that contains caffeine before you receive this medicine. This includes medicines, foods, and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and cola drinks.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to adenosine, or if you have asthma or certain heart rhythm problems.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have breathing problems or lung disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart valve disease, seizures, or unstable angina.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Serious risk of heart attack or stroke High or low blood pressure SeizuresPossible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Numbness of weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Throat, neck, or jaw discomfort, pain, or tightness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Headache
Redness, pain, or swelling where the needle is placed
Upset stomach
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Adenocard, Adenoscan, Novaplus Adenosine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.