What is Adenosine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Adenosine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Adenocard, Adenoscan, Adenosine Novaplus

Generic Names:

  • Adenosine

Uses:

  • Treats arrhythmias (uneven heartbeat). Also used during a heart stress test.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiarrhythmic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Adenosine used for?

What form(s) does Adenosine come in

  • Injectable

What are common Adenosine doses?

  • Vial 2ML of 6MG/2ML

Common Adenosine prescriptions

  • Adenosine
    4ml of 12mg/4ml syringe

  • Adenosine
    2ml of 6mg/2ml vial

  • Adenosine
    4ml of 12mg/4ml vial

How to take Adenosine

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose. This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose. This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.

What to do if you miss a dose of Adenosine

Adenosine contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to adenosine, or if you have asthma or certain heart rhythm problems.

Adenosine warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have breathing problems or lung disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart valve disease, seizures, or unstable angina.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Serious risk of heart attack or strokeHigh or low blood pressureSeizures

  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Numbness of weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Throat, neck, or jaw discomfort, pain, or tightness

Adenosine interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how adenosine works. Tell your doctor if you are using aminophylline, carbamazepine, digoxin, dipyridamole, theophylline, verapamil, or blood pressure medicines.

  • Do not eat or drink anything that contains caffeine before you receive this medicine. This includes medicines, foods, and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and cola drinks.

Adenosine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Numbness of weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Throat, neck, or jaw discomfort, pain, or tightness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating

  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Upset stomach

  • Headache

  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

  • Redness, pain, or swelling where the needle is placed