Adenocor Injection

How does it work?

Adenosine is an anti-arrhythmic medicine which acts by slowing the conduction of electrical impulses across the atrioventricular node in the heart. Adenosine is a natural body chemical. In the normal situation electrical impulses start in the sinus node in the heart and spread over the atria (upper chambers of the heart), casuing them to contract. The impulse then passes through the atrio-ventricular node (AV-node) to the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart). The impulse spreads over the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump blood out to the rest of the body. Adenosine is used to treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, that is, fast, irregular rhythms starting with impulses above the AV node. It quickly causes the heart to return to its normal rhythm. Adenosine is given as a rapid intravenous bolus.

What is it used for?

Abnormal heart rhythms caused by abnormal contractions in the upper part of the heart (supraventricular arrhythmias)

Use with caution in

Irregular heartbeat caused by very rapid contraction of the top two chambers of the heart (atrial fibrillation)

Not to be used in

A problem common in the elderly, related to poor control of the working of the heart (sick sinus syndrome)

Asthma

Blockage of an electrical message pathway in the heart (atrioventricular block)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The safety of this medicine during breastfeeding has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Blurred vision

Increased blood flow to the skin on the face (facial flushing)

Nausea

Sweating

Metallic taste

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

Dizziness

The heart stops beating (cardiac arrest)

Lightheadedness

Burning sensation

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea)

Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

Wheezing or difficulty in breathing

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

When taken together with dipyridamole the effects of adenosine are increased and the heart may be slowed excessively. Theophylline and caffeine reduce the effects of adenosine. There may be additive effects if adenosine is given with other medicines that also reduce cardiac conduction.

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