Adenosine for fast heart rates

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
adenosine	Adenocard, Adenoscan

How It Works

Adenosine reduces the normal flow of the electrical impulses through the atrioventricular (AV) node of the heart.

Why It Is Used

Adenosine is used to restore a normal heart rate and rhythm when you are having an episode of supraventricular tachycardia.

How Well It Works

Adenosine can be very effective at slowing or ending a rapid heart rate if the problem is caused by an abnormal electrical pathway in the heart. Adenosine will not work if the fast heart rate has a different cause. Therefore, it may have limited value in diagnosing tachycardia or helping identify the location of the fast heart rate.

Side Effects

Adenosine is always given by a health professional while you are hooked up to a heart monitor. It is given through a vein (intravenous, or IV). Adenosine works very quickly and lasts only a short period of time (less than 1 minute). Side effects may include:

• Light-headedness and dizziness.
• Blurred vision.
• Shortness of breath.
• Facial flushing.
• Metallic taste.
• Anxiety.
• Chest pressure.
• Brief loss of consciousness.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Adenosine is a quick-acting, short-term therapy intended to convert the fast heart rhythm of a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) that affects the AV node back to a normal rate. Adenosine cannot be used for atrial fibrillation associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. In atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, adenosine's effect is only very short-lived.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: February 7, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Laurence Epstein, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiologist Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
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