Adenoscan (Adenosine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Adenoscan Used For?
Adenoscan is a specialized medication used in hospitals to help doctors better understand how your heart is working during medical imaging procedures.
Primary Uses
Adenoscan is used as an aid to doctors during radionuclide imaging of your heart. It helps create clearer images so doctors can better assess your heart’s condition.
How It Works
Adenoscan works by opening up your heart’s blood vessels to allow blood to flow more freely. This improved blood flow can then be seen more clearly by doctors during the imaging procedure.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Adenoscan
Adenoscan will only be given to you in a hospital setting by medical professionals as an injection.
Dosage Instructions
The dosage is calculated according to your weight. The recommended dose in adults is 140 micrograms/kg/min given for six minutes (total dose will be 0.84 mg/kg). After three minutes of the Adenoscan infusion, you will be given the required dose of the radionuclide (imaging agent) by injection.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Adenoscan is given in a hospital setting under medical supervision, missing a dose is not applicable. Your medical team will manage the timing of your treatment.
Important: Do not eat or drink food or drinks containing caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate or cola) for at least 12 hours before you receive your injection.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- facial flushing
- shortness of breath
- feeling of tightness across the chest
- nausea or stomach pain
- dry mouth
- tingling sensation in arms or legs
- headache
- dizziness and lightheadedness
- discomfort in the throat, neck or jaw
- burning sensation
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- irregular or slow heartbeat
- problems with breathing
- spasm of the artery in the heart which may lead to a heart attack
- swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing
- rash, itching or hives on the skin
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Adenoscan should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Adenoscan
Do not receive Adenoscan if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients, have asthma or any other lung disease, have recently had a heart transplant, have some other problems with your heart or heart rhythm, or have severe low blood pressure.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems including blood pressure issues, a history of epilepsy or seizures, asthma or any other lung disease, or if you eat or drink large amounts of caffeine-containing foods or drinks.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Adenoscan is not recommended during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. It is not known whether Adenoscan passes into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may be affected by Adenoscan or may affect how well it works.
- theophylline or aminophylline (medicines used to help relieve breathing problems)
- dipyridamole (a medicine used for people who have had a stroke)
- carbamazepine (a medicine used to treat epilepsy and seizures)
Alcohol & Driving
Since Adenoscan is given in a hospital setting and may cause dizziness and lightheadedness, special precautions should be taken.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are mentioned, but discuss with your doctor about alcohol consumption around the time of your procedure.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Due to potential side effects like dizziness and lightheadedness, you should not drive or operate machinery immediately after receiving Adenoscan. Follow your doctor’s advice about when it’s safe to resume these activities.
Storage
Adenoscan is stored in the pharmacy or on the hospital ward. It is kept in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C and is not refrigerated.
Overdose Information
Since Adenoscan is given under medical supervision in a hospital, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you experience any unexpected or worrying side effects and think you have been given too much, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adenoscan works immediately when injected. The full procedure takes 6 minutes, with the imaging agent given after 3 minutes of the Adenoscan infusion.
You must not eat or drink food or drinks containing caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate or cola) for at least 12 hours before you receive your injection.
No, Adenoscan is not addictive.
Adenoscan is only given in hospitals under medical supervision. Your doctor will advise you about any observation period needed after the procedure.
Tell your doctor about all medical conditions, especially heart problems, asthma, lung disease, epilepsy, or seizures. Also inform them about all medicines you’re taking and if you consume large amounts of caffeine.
Adenoscan is not recommended during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so they can discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you have been given Adenoscan. Follow your medical team’s instructions and report any concerning symptoms immediately.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.