Uses of Adenosine

Adenosine is used to treat arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) in both adults and in children. It helps in bringing back the heartbeat to normal in case of a heart condition called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia or Wolff Parkinson-White Syndrome (fast heart rate caused due to abnormal electrical signals in the heart chambers). It can also be used to diagnose certain heart problems (such as the type of arrhythmia) during cardiac stress testing.

Therapeutic Category

Adenosine: Antiarrhythmics agents

How Adenosine works

Adenosine is an anti-arrhythmic medicine. It regulates the heart rate by blocking the generation of abnormal electrical signals in the heart. This normalizes your heart rate which therefore provides relief from the unpleasant symptoms of arrhythmia.

When used during stress testing, Adenosine improves blood supply to the heart by dilating the coronary arteries. This simulates an effect of a physical exercise (such as walking on a treadmill) in patients, which would help in diagnosing the problems with their heart functions.

Common side effects of Adenosine

• headache, dizziness or light-headedness
• feeling sick
• general weakness, numbness, nervousness
• burning, tingling, or pricking sensation of the skin
• slow or abnormal heartbeat
• urge to take a deep breath due to breathing difficulty
• flushing
• chest pain
• pressure on the chest

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, severe itching of the skin with raised lumps, blisters in the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat with difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• If you experience slow heartbeat (severe bradycardia), difficulty in breathing, severe chest pain (angina), or decreasing blood pressure
• If you experience signs of stroke (such as numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs, confusion, eyesight impairment, difficulty in walking, and difficulty in speaking)
• If you experience signs of a heart attack (such as severe chest discomfort or chest pain that may travel up to your jaw, down your left arm, or both arms, along with sweating, nausea, and dizziness) 

Health Tips for Adenosine

• Avoid caffeine and other stimulants. Caffeine can interfere with adenosine's actions, making it less effective. It's essential to avoid caffeine-containing products, such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain medications, for at least 12 to 24 hours before receiving adenosine
• Adequate hydration is important before and during the administration of adenosine. This helps ensure proper blood flow and medication distribution throughout the body