Antiarrhythmic (AV nodal blocker)
📉Adenosine
Brand: Adenocard
Six seconds of asystole that fixes SVT — warn the patient first.
Why it works
Transiently blocks conduction through the AV node, breaking the re-entry circuit that sustains SVT. Half-life under 10 seconds, which is why it must be a rapid push followed immediately by a flush.
Quick dosing reference
- ›6 mg rapid IV push, followed by 20 mL NS flush, arm elevated
- ›If no conversion in 1–2 min: 12 mg rapid IV push
- ›Use the port closest to the patient — antecubital or central
Seconds · duration under 30 sec
What you monitor
- •Run a continuous rhythm strip through the push
- •Chest pain, flushing, dyspnea — brief and expected
- •Post-conversion rhythm and BP
Watch out
Slow administration = no effect at all. It is a two-person, two-syringe, stopcock push every time.
Baddie pearl
Tell the patient it will feel awful for a few seconds. It prevents panic on both sides of the bed.