How should adenosine be given?

How should adenosine be given?

• A. Rapid IVP/IO bolus
• B. Slow IV infusion
• C. Intramuscular injection
• D. Subcutaneous injection

Answer: (A)

Adenosine must be given as a rapid IV bolus (or IO bolus if IV access isn’t available) with a quick saline flush because it has an ultra-short half-life and needs to reach the heart immediately to transiently block AV nodal conduction and terminate the SVT. A slow IV infusion or injections given intramuscular or subcutaneous have too slow an onset and won’t reliably interrupt the reentrant circuit. The rapid bolus delivers the drug to the heart quickly, producing the desired transient effect; if needed, a second rapid bolus can be given after a short interval.

Adenosine must be given as a rapid IV bolus (or IO bolus if IV access isn’t available) with a quick saline flush because it has an ultra-short half-life and needs to reach the heart immediately to transiently block AV nodal conduction and terminate the SVT. A slow IV infusion or injections given intramuscular or subcutaneous have too slow an onset and won’t reliably interrupt the reentrant circuit. The rapid bolus delivers the drug to the heart quickly, producing the desired transient effect; if needed, a second rapid bolus can be given after a short interval.