Adenosine Injection, Solution

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Intravenous adenosine injection is indicated for the following: Conversion to sinus rhythm of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), including that associated with accessory bypass tracts (Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome). When clinically advisable, appropriate vagal maneuvers (e.g., Valsalva maneuver), should be attempted prior to adenosine injection administration. It is important to be sure the adenosine injection solution actually reaches the systemic circulation (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Adenosine injection does not convert atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, or ventricular tachycardia to normal sinus rhythm.

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following reactions were reported with intravenous adenosine injection used in controlled U.S. clinical trials. The placebo group had a less than 1% rate of all of these reactions. Cardiovascular Facial flushing (18%), headache (2%), sweating, palpitations, chest pain, hypotension (less than 1%). Respiratory Shortness of breath/dyspnea (12%), chest pressure (7%), hyperventilation, head pressure (less than 1%). Central Nervous System Lightheadedness (2%), dizziness, tingling in arms, numbness (1%), apprehension, blurred vision, burning sensation, heaviness in arms, neck and back pain (less than 1%). Gastrointestinal Nausea (3%), metallic taste, tightness in throat, pressure in groin (less than 1%).

WARNINGS Heart Block Adenosine injection exerts its effect by decreasing conduction through the A-V node and may produce a short lasting first-, second- or third-degree heart block. Appropriate therapy should be instituted as needed. Patients who develop high-level block on one dose of adenosine should not be given additional doses. Because of the very short half-life of adenosine, these effects are generally self-limiting. Appropriate resuscitative measures should be available. Transient or prolonged episodes of asystole have been reported with fatal outcomes in some cases. Rarely, ventricular fibrillation has been reported following adenosine administration, including both resuscitated and fatal events. CONTRAINDICATIONS Intravenous adenosine injection is contraindicated in: 1. Second- or third-degree A-V block (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker). 2. Sinus node disease, such as sick sinus syndrome or symptomatic bradycardia (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker). 3. Known hypersensitivity to adenosine.