DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Adenosine (a-DEN-oh-seen)
Brand Name: Adenocard

Adenosine is used for:

Treating supraventricular tachycardia, a rhythm disturbance of the heart. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Adenosine is an antiarrhythmic. It works by slowing the electrical conduction in the heart, slowing heart rate, or normalizing heart rhythm.

Do NOT use Adenosine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Adenosine
• you have second- or third-degree heart block and do not have an artificial pacemaker
• you have sinus node disease (eg, sick sinus syndrome) and do not have an artificial pacemaker

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Adenosine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Adenosine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Adenosine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Digoxin or verapamil because the actions and side effects of both may be increased and, rarely, life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances may occur
• Carbamazepine or dipyridamole because they may increase the actions and side effects of Adenosine
• Methylxanthines (eg, caffeine, theophylline) because the effectiveness of Adenosine may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Adenosine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Adenosine :

Use Adenosine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Adenosine may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Adenosine is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Adenosine at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Adenosine contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Adenosine , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Adenosine .

Important safety information:

• Adenosine may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Adenosine . Using Adenosine alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a return of an unusually fast heartbeat or chest pain.
• LAB TESTS may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Adenosine during pregnancy. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Adenosine , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Adenosine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Chest pressure; discomfort; dizziness; flushing of the face; headache; high blood pressure; lightheadedness; nausea; shortness of breath; throat, neck, or jaw discomfort; tingling in the arms.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; heart attacks; heart block; unusually fast or irregular heartbeats.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Adenosine :

Store Adenosine at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not refrigerate. Discard unused portion. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Adenosine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Adenosine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Adenosine . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.