Adenosine (Adenocard) Pharmacology

These flashcards cover important aspects of Adenosine, including its classification, mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, dosing for adults and pediatrics, potential side effects, precautions, and its pharmacokinetics.

Adenosine

An antidysrhythmic medication that slows AV nodal conduction and inhibits re-entrant pathways.

Classification

Antidysrhythmic.

Mechanism of Action

Slows AV nodal conduction and inhibits re-entrant pathways.

Indications for Adenosine

Stable narrow-complex tachycardia and monomorphic wide complex tachycardia.

Contraindications for Adenosine

Poison/drug induced tachycardia, polymorphic wide complex tachycardia, and hypersensitivity.

Adult dosing for Adenosine

1st dose: 6 mg IVP over 1 - 3 sec; 2nd dose: 12 mg IVP over 1 - 3 sec.

Pediatric dosing for Adenosine

1st dose: 0.1 mg/kg IVP (max 6 mg); 2nd dose: 0.2 mg/kg IVP (max 12 mg).

Side Effects of Adenosine

Asystole, bradycardia, ventricular ectopics, dizziness, facial flushing, chest pain, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Precautions with Adenosine

Should not be used for 2nd Degree Type II or 3rd Degree heart block, sick sinus syndrome; use caution in asthma patients.

Half-life of Adenosine

It has a short half-life, affecting dosing and administration.