Adenoscan

Generic name: adenosine [ a-DEN-oh-seen ]
Brand names: Adenocard, Adenoscan
Drug classes: Cardiac stressing agents, Group V antiarrhythmics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 9, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Adenoscan?

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

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

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

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

Adenoscan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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 light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• 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 of Adenoscan may include:

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• chest pressure, shortness of breath;

• nausea;

• headache, dizziness; or

• discomfort in your neck or jaw.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

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

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Adenoscan 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 Adenoscan.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma, COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing problems;

• seizures; or

• angina (chest pain).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

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

How is Adenoscan 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.

Adenoscan is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

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

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely.

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 Adenoscan.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

Since Adenoscan is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving Adenoscan?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Adenoscan?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• aminophylline;

• digoxin;

• dipyridamole;

• theophylline; or

• verapamil.

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

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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