Indications & Uses
Intravenous Adecard is used to convert paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) back to a normal sinus rhythm, including PSVT associated with accessory bypass tracts, as seen in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Adult: Initial dose is 6 mg given as a rapid IV bolus, administered over 1 to 2 seconds. Repeat administration: if the first dose does not eliminate the supraventricular tachycardia within 1 to 2 minutes, 12 mg should be given as a rapid intravenous bolus. This 12 mg dose may be repeated a second time if required. Pediatric: the dosages used in neonates, infants, children and adolescents were equivalent to those given to adults on a weight basis. Body weight below 50 kg: Initial dose is 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg as a rapid IV bolus given either centrally or peripherally. A saline flush should follow. Body weight above 50 kg: the adult dose is recommended. Doses greater than 12 mg are not recommended for adult and pediatric patients. Repeat administration: if conversion of PSVT does not occur within 1 to 2 minutes, additional bolus injections of adenosine can be given at incrementally higher doses, increasing the amount by 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg. A saline flush should follow. This process should continue until sinus rhythm is established or a maximum single dose of 0.3 mg/kg is used.
Side Effects
Cardiovascular effects may include facial flushing, headache, sweating, palpitations, chest pain, and low blood pressure. Respiratory effects may include shortness of breath, chest pressure, rapid breathing, and a sensation of pressure in the head. Central nervous system effects may include lightheadedness, dizziness, tingling or numbness in the arms, a feeling of apprehension, blurred vision, a burning sensation, heaviness in the arms, and pain in the neck and back. Gastrointestinal effects may include nausea, a metallic taste, tightness in the throat, and a sense of pressure in the groin. In post-marketing experience with Adecard, prolonged asystole, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, a transient rise in blood pressure, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and bronchospasm have been reported in association with its use.
Cautions & Contraindications
Contraindications
Intravenous Adenosine should not be used in patients with second or third degree A V block, unless they have a functioning artificial pacemaker. It should also be avoided in patients with sinus node disease, such as sick sinus syndrome or symptomatic bradycardia, again unless a functioning artificial pacemaker is in place. It is also contraindicated in anyone with a known hypersensitivity to Adenosine.