Adenosine dose should be less when administered through a central line

J Emerg Med. 2002 Feb;22(2):195-8. doi: 10.1016/s0736-4679(01)00464-4.

Abstract

A patient with a port-a-cath was given 12 mg of adenosine for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), resulting in prolonged (13 s) bradycardia and severe side effects. When the same patient presented 2 weeks later for recurrent PSVT, only 3 mg of adenosine was needed to terminate the episode, without the patient experiencing prolonged bradycardia or severe side effects. The literature suggests that for patients with central venous catheters, a lower dose of adenosine should be used to terminate PSVT.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / administration & dosage*
  • Adenosine / therapeutic use
  • Aged
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / instrumentation
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Adenosine