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Patient Education



Pronunciation: a DEN oh seen

Brand: Adenocard, Adenoscan

What is the most important information I should know about adenosine?

Before receiving adenosine, tell your doctor if you have asthma or other breathing problems, or if you have ever had a seizure.

What is adenosine?

Adenosine is a naturally occurring substance that relaxes and dilates blood vessels. Adenosine also affects the electrical activity of the heart.

Adenosine is used to help restore normal heartbeats in people with certain heart rhythm disorders.

Adenosine is also used during a stress test of the heart.

Adenosine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving adenosine?

You should not be treated with adenosine if you have a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker), or slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint.

Your doctor will perform tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely receiving this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • asthma, COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing problems;
  • seizures; or
  • angina (chest pain).


Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You may need to stop nursing for a short time after you receive adenosine.

How is adenosine given?

Before your heart stress test: Avoid coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, energy drinks or other sources of caffeine. They can interfere with the results of your test.


You may receive only one dose of this medicine. Repeat doses may be given if needed to restore normal heartbeats.


Your heart rate will be constantly monitored using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with adenosine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Adenosine is usually given as a single dose in a medical setting and does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?


What should I avoid after receiving adenosine?


What are the possible side effects of adenosine?


Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

  • severe shortness of breath;
  • chest pain or tightness, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder;
  • fluttering in your chest;
  • a seizure;
  • severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears; or
  • sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech.

Common side effects may include:

  • flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
  • chest pressure, shortness of breath;
  • nausea;
  • headache, dizziness; or
  • discomfort in your neck or jaw.


What other drugs will affect adenosine?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • aminophylline;
  • digoxin;
  • dipyridamole;
  • theophylline; or
  • verapamil.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect adenosine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about adenosine.



Copyright 1996-2019 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01. Revision date: 9/25/2018.
