Adenosine Flashcards
What is adenosine used for?
First-line and therpeutic agent in SVT
How does Adenosine work?
Binds to adenosine receptors, which cause a reduction in the frequency of spontaneous depolarisations (automaticity) and increase in resistance to depolarisation (refractoriness). In turn, this transiently slows the sinus rate, conduction velocity, and increases atrioventricular (AV) node refractoriness.
Why is adenosine good for treating SVTs?
Many forms of SVT arise from a re-entry circuits that takes in the AV node. Increasing refractoriness in the AV node breaks the re-entry circuit, which allows normal depolarisations from the sinoatrial (SA) node to resume control of heart rate (cardioversion).
What is the half-life of adenosine?
<10 seconds
What are important adverse effects of Adenosine?
- Bradycardia
- Asystole
- Sinking feeling/impending doom
- Breathlessness
What are contraindications to adenosine use?
- Hypotension
- Coronary Ischaemia
- Decompensated HF
What drugs can adenosine interact with?
- Dipyramidole
- Theophylline/Aminophylline
- Caffeine
How is Adenosine given?
IV
When writing a prescription for adenosine, where in the drug kardex should it be written up?
Once off section
What dose of adenosine would you give?
Start with 6mg IV, then 12 mg 1-2 minutes later if required
What monitoring should you do when administering adenosine?
Continuous cardiac Monitoring
What is important with regard to cannula size and site when adminstering adenosine?
Large bore cannula located as centrally as possible
How would you administer adneosine IV?
Rapid injection followed by an immediate flush
