Emergency Drugs · Endogenous nucleoside
Adenosine
Dose
6 mg IV rapid push followed by 20 mL saline flush; then 12 mg, then 12 mg
Mechanism
A1 receptor agonist → transient AV block
Contraindications
- • Asthma
- • 2nd/3rd degree AV block (no pacemaker)
- • WPW with AF
Use
Diagnostic + therapeutic in SVT.
Monitoring
Continuous ECG, defib pads on.
Side effects
- • Chest discomfort
- • Flushing
- • Brief asystole
- • Bronchospasm
Related in WardRound
Adenosine dose calculator
Dose · First 6 mg, then 12 mg, then 18 mg. Warn asystole.
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Protocol · Vagal → adenosine → DC
AF with WPW (Pre-excited)
Protocol · Avoid AV nodal blockers
Tachycardia Approach
Topic · Cardiology
Wolff-Parkinson-White
Topic · Cardiology
Paroxysmal SVT (AVNRT/AVRT)
Topic · Cardiology
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
