What it means
An antiarrhythmic drug used to stop some fast heart rhythms that start above the ventricles (supraventricular tachycardia). It blocks the AV node for a few seconds, often with a short pause on the monitor, and the body clears it in under 10 seconds. It is also used in a heart stress test for clients who cannot exercise. Common short-lived effects are flushing, chest pressure, shortness of breath and a sense of doom.
For the nurse
Give it as a rapid IV push over 1 to 2 seconds into a site close to the heart, followed right away by a fast saline flush. Have the client on a cardiac monitor with emergency equipment nearby, and warn them they may feel strange for a few seconds. It can cause bronchospasm in clients with asthma.
At a glance
| Drug class | antiarrhythmic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Adenocard, Adenoscan |
| Spanish | adenosina |
| Also written | Adenocard, Adenoscan |
Related terms
dysrhythmia
A heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.
flush
To push a small amount of fluid, usually saline, through an IV line or tube to clear it; as a noun, also a sudden reddening of the skin.
cardiac monitor
A machine that shows the heart's electrical rhythm on a screen without stopping, using electrodes on the chest.