Paramedic Pharmacology – Adenosine Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering classification, mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, side effects, interactions, and precautions for Adenosine as outlined in the lecture notes.

Adenosine

A miscellaneous class antiarrhythmic used to terminate supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Antiarrhythmic (Miscellaneous class)

Drug category that includes Adenosine; works outside the traditional Classes I–IV to treat dysrhythmias.

Mechanism of Action of Adenosine

Stimulates cardiac and pulmonary adenosine receptors, slowing AV-node conduction and interrupting re-entry pathways.

Therapeutic Use of Adenosine

Restores normal sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

AV-Node Conduction Effect

Adenosine briefly blocks conduction through the AV node, halting re-entrant tachycardias.

Onset of Adenosine

10–30 seconds after rapid IV push.

Duration of Adenosine

Approximately 1–2 minutes because of rapid cellular uptake.

Adenosine Dosage Forms

6 mg/2 mL and 12 mg/4 mL vials or pre-filled syringes (PFS).

Rapid IV Push (RIVP)

Preferred method for Adenosine administration; immediately followed by a 10–20 mL saline flush.

Large-Bore Proximal IV

Site recommendation for Adenosine to ensure swift delivery into central circulation.

Pre-hospital Administration Routes

IV bolus or IO (humerus/sternum) in emergency settings.

Chest Pressure

Common transient side effect of Adenosine administration.

Facial Flushing

Benign vasodilatory reaction frequently seen after Adenosine.

Bronchospasm

Potential adverse effect; use caution in asthma or COPD patients.

Hypotension (Adenosine)

Short-lived drop in blood pressure that may accompany administration.

Metallic Taste

Unpleasant but brief oral sensation reported by some patients after Adenosine.

Palpitations (Post-Adenosine)

Awareness of heartbeat that can occur as rhythm resets.

Dipyridamole & Carbamazepine Interaction

These drugs potentiate Adenosine’s effects; lower initial dose may be needed.

Theophylline & Caffeine Interaction

Act as adenosine receptor antagonists, possibly reducing Adenosine effectiveness.

Reactive Airway Disease Precaution

Consider withholding Adenosine or seek Base Hospital order in severe asthma/COPD.

Ineffectiveness in WPW, A-Fib, A-Flutter

Adenosine does not reliably convert these rhythms.

Unstable Tachycardia Management

Patients with altered mental status or HR > 150 should receive synchronized cardioversion, not Adenosine first.

Saline Flush Technique

Immediately push 10–20 mL normal saline after Adenosine to ensure rapid central circulation.

ECG Strip Requirement

Capture rhythm before and after Adenosine to document conversion or transient AV block.