Health Library Adenosine for Fast Heart RatesFrom Healthwise

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

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

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.

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:

• Lightheadedness 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.)

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:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: September 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Laurence Epstein, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiologist
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