Adenosine Injection (Cardiac Stress Test)

What is this medication?

ADENOSINE (a DEN uh seen) helps diagnose heart conditions. It is used during a stress test. It works by increasing blood flow to the heart, which helps create the effect of exercise. This helps show how hard your heart works when it is pumping hard.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adenocard, Adenoscan

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
• An unusual or allergic reaction to adenosine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

• Caffeine
• Carbamazepine
• Digoxin
• Dipyridamole
• Theophylline
• Verapamil

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Seizures
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Facial flushing, redness
• Headache
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.