Adenosine
SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), Diagnostic aid for wide-complex tachycardia
Indications
- SVT (supraventricular tachycardia)
- Diagnostic aid for wide-complex tachycardia
Adult dosing
- svt first: dose: 6; unit: mg; route: rapid IV push + flush; fixed: true; svt second: dose: 12; unit: mg; route: rapid IV push + flush; interval: may repeat x1; fixed: true
Pediatric dosing
- svt first: dose: 0.1; unit: mg/kg; maxDose: 6; maxDoseAbsolute: true; route: rapid IV push; weightBased: true; svt second: dose: 0.2; unit: mg/kg; maxDose: 12; maxDoseAbsolute: true; route: rapid IV push; weightBased: true
Contraindications
- Second/third degree AV block (without pacemaker)
- Sick sinus syndrome (without pacemaker)
- Known or suspected bronchospastic disease
Clinical pearls
- Must be given as rapid IV push followed by immediate 20mL NS flush
- Use proximal IV — most antecubital or above; wrist IVs will not work
- Half dose (3mg) if patient on carbamazepine or dipyridamole, or via central line
- Warn patient they will feel brief chest pressure/dread — lasts < 10 seconds
Source and review
- ACLS Guidelines 2020, AHA. Last reviewed: 2024-10-15