CLASS
- short acting anti-arrhythmic
- naturally occurring purine nucleoside
MECHANISM OF ACTION
- depression of SA & AV nodal activity
- antagonises cAMP-mediated catecholamine stimulation of ventricular muscle
-> negative chronotropy & dromotropy
- direct agonist at specific cell membrane receptors (A1 & A2)
- A1 = coupled to K+ channels by a guanine nucleotide-binding protein in supraventricular tissue.
PHARMACEUTICS
- clear, colourless
- 3mg/mL
- in saline
DOSE
- rapid IV bolus followed by saline flush
- 3mg -> 6mg -> 12mg (adult)
- 0.04 to 0.25mg/kg (children)
INDICATIONS
- diagnosis and treatment of paroxysmal SVT
ADVERSE EFFECTS
- bronchospasm
- flushing
- SOB
- chest pain
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- second and third degree AV block
- allergy
- care with asthma and COPD
PHARMACOKINETICS
- Onset – 10 seconds
- Duration – 10 seconds
- Absorption – must be given IV
- Distribution
- Metabolism – absorbed by RBC’s and endothelium
- Elimination – t ½ = 10 seconds
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