Medicine guide

Adenosine

3 mg/mL · Injection, Solution

Prescription only
Adenosine Receptor Agonist

Active substance: Adenosine
Made by: Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Source: Official label

Quoted from the official source. Not yet reviewed by Mediclarum — the leaflet in your pack is authoritative.

At a glance

Quoted from the official label · 2025-04-14

What it is

Adenosine Receptor Agonist

Used for

Adenosine injection is indicated as an adjunct to thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in patients unable to exercise adequately.

The label’s usual adult dose

The recommended adenosine injection dose is 0.14 mg/kg/min infused over six minutes (total dose of 0.84 mg/kg) (Table 1).

Full directions ↓

Do not take it if

Adenosine is contraindicated in patients with:

All warnings ↓

Good to know

Prescription only
FDA enforcement reports list no ongoing recall, and none from the last two years, for this product code · checked 2026-10-02

43other products contain Adenosine — compare makers, forms and strengths

Every line above is selected, not written, from the official label. Nothing is reworded. DailyMed

What it is for

Adenosine injection is indicated as an adjunct to thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in patients unable to exercise adequately.
Adenosine injection, a pharmacologic stress agent, is indicated as an adjunct to thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in patients unable to exercise adequately ( 1 )

From the official label · 2025-04-14 · DailyMed

How it works

From this product’s own US prescribing label.

Adenosine causes cardiac vasodilation which increases cardiac blood flow.
Adenosine is thought to exert its pharmacological effects through activation of purine receptors (cell-surface A 1 and A 2 adenosine receptors).

How the body breaks it down

Intracellular adenosine is metabolized either via phosphorylation to adenosine monophosphate by adenosine kinase, or via deamination to inosine by adenosine deaminase in the cytosol.

Quoted from the prescribing label, sections “Mechanism of Action” and “Pharmacokinetics”. DailyMed · 2025-04-14

Do not take it if

Adenosine is contraindicated in patients with:
Second- or third-degree AV block (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Sinus node disease, such as sick sinus syndrome or symptomatic bradycardia (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Known or suspected bronchoconstrictive or bronchospastic lung disease (e.g., asthma) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Known hypersensitivity to adenosine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Second- or third-degree AV block (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker) ( 4 ) Sinus node disease, such as sick sinus syndrome or symptomatic bradycardia (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker) ( 4 ) Known or suspected bronchoconstrictive or bronchospastic lung disease (e.g., asthma) ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to adenosine ( 4 )

Quoted from the official label, section “Contraindications”.

How to take it

These directions are for this exact strength and form. Another one is different.

The recommended adenosine injection dose is 0.14 mg/kg/min infused over six minutes (total dose of 0.84 mg/kg) (Table 1).
Administer adenosine injection only as a continuous peripheral intravenous infusion Inject Thallium-201 at the midpoint of the adenosine injection infusion (i.e., after the first three minutes of adenosine injection) Thallium-201 is physically compatible with adenosine injection and may be injected directly into the adenosine injection infusion set Inject Thallium-201 as close to the venous access as possible to prevent an inadvertent increase in the dose of adenosine injection (the contents of the intravenous tubing) being administered Visually inspect adenosine injection for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.
Do not administer adenosine injection if it contains particulate matter or is discolored.
There are no data on the safety or efficacy of alternative adenosine injection infusion protocols.
The safety and efficacy of adenosine injection administered by the intracoronary route have not been established.
Table 1 Dosage Chart for Adenosine Injection Patient Weight (kilograms) Infusion Rate (mL per minute over 6 minutes for total dose of 0.84 mg/kg) 45 2.1 50 2.3 55 2.6 60 2.8 65 3 70 3.3 75 3.5 80 3.8 85 4 90
4.2 The nomogram displayed in Table 1 was derived from the following general formula:
Recommended dose is 0.14 mg/kg/min infused over six minutes as a continuous peripheral intravenous infusion (total dose of 0.84 mg/kg) ( 2 ) General Formula

Quoted from the official label, section “Dosage & Administration”.

Other warnings

Fatal cardiac events have occurred.
Avoid use in patients with symptoms or signs of acute myocardial ischemia.
Appropriate resuscitative measures should be available ( 5.1 ) Sinoatrial (SA) and Atrioventricular (AV) Nodal Block .
First-, second- or third-degree AV block, or sinus bradycardia can occur.
Discontinue adenosine if patient develops persistent or symptomatic high-grade AV block ( 5.2 ) Bronchoconstriction .
Can induce dyspnea, bronchoconstriction, and respiratory compromise, especially in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease.
Discontinue adenosine if patient develops severe respiratory difficulties ( 5.3 ) Hypotension .
Significant hypotension can occur.
Discontinue adenosine if patient develops persistent or symptomatic hypotension ( 5.4 ) Cerebrovascular Accidents .
Hemorrhagic and ischemic cerebrovascular accidents have occurred ( 5.5 ) Seizures .
New onset or recurrence of convulsive seizures have occurred.
Use of methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine, aminophylline and theophylline) is not recommended in patients who experience a seizure in association with adenosine ( 5.6 ) Hypersensitivity .
Dyspnea, throat tightness, flushing, erythema, rash, and chest discomfort have occurred.
Have personnel and resuscitative equipment immediately available ( 5.7 ) Atrial Fibrillation .
Reported in patients with or without a history of atrial fibrillation ( 5.8 ) Hypertension .
Clinically significant increases in systolic and diastolic pressure have been observed ( 5.9 )
5.1 Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Myocardial Infarction Fatal and nonfatal cardiac arrest, sustained ventricular tachycardia (requiring resuscitation), and myocardial infarction have occurred following adenosine infusion.
Avoid use in patients with symptoms or signs of acute myocardial ischemia, for example, unstable angina or cardiovascular instability; these patients may be at greater risk of serious cardiovascular reactions to adenosine.
Appropriate resuscitative measures should be available [see Overdosage ( 10 )] .
5.2 Sinoatrial and Atrioventricular Nodal Block Adenosine exerts a direct depressant effect on the SA and AV nodes and may cause first-, second- or third-degree AV block, or sinus bradycardia.
In clinical trials, approximately 6% of patients developed AV block following adenosine administration (first-degree heart block developed in 3%, second-degree in 3%, and third-degree in 0.8% of patients) [see Clinical Trials Experience ( 6.1 )] .
Use adenosine with caution in patients with pre-existing first-degree AV block or bundle branch block.
Do not use in patients with high-grade AV block or sinus node dysfunction (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker).
Discontinue adenosine in any patient who develops persistent or symptomatic high-grade AV block.
5.3 Bronchoconstriction Adenosine administration can cause dyspnea, bronchoconstriction, and respiratory compromise.
Adenosine should be used with caution in patients with obstructive lung disease not associated with bronchoconstriction (e.g., emphysema, bronchitis).
Do not use in patients with bronchoconstriction or bronchospasm (e.g., asthma).
Discontinue adenosine in any patient who develops severe respiratory difficulties.
Resuscitative measures should be available prior to adenosine administration [see Clinical Trials Experience ( 6.1 ), Overdosage ( 10 ), and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] .
5.4 Hypotension Adenosine is a potent peripheral vasodilator and can induce significant hypotension.
The risk of serious hypotension may be higher in patients with autonomic dysfunction, hypovolemia, stenotic valvular heart disease, pericarditis or pericardial effusions, or stenotic carotid artery disease with cerebrovascular insufficiency.
Discontinue adenosine in any patient who develops persistent or symptomatic hypotension.
5.5 Cerebrovascular Accident Hemorrhagic and ischemic cerebrovascular accidents have occurred.
Hemodynamic effects of adenosine including hypotension or hypertension can be associated with these adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) and ( 5.9 )] .
5.6 Seizures New-onset or recurrence of convulsive seizures has occurred following adenosine.
Some seizures are prolonged and require emergent anticonvulsive management.
Aminophylline may increase the risk of seizures associated with adenosine.
Methylxanthine use is not recommended in patients who experience seizures in association with adenosine administration [see Overdosage ( 10 )] .
5.7 Hypersensitivity Dyspnea, throat tightness, flushing, erythema, rash, and chest discomfort have occurred.
Symptomatic treatment may be required.
Have personnel and appropriate treatment available.
Resuscitative measures may be necessary
if symptoms progress [see Post-Marketing Experience ( 6.2 )] .
5.8 Atrial Fibrillation Adenosine can cause atrial fibrillation in patients with or without a history of atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation typically began 1.5 to 3 minutes after initiation of adenosine, lasted for 15 seconds to 6 hours, and spontaneously converted to normal sinus rhythm [see Post-Marketing Experience ( 6.2 )] .
5.9 Hypertension Adenosine can induce clinically significant increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Most increases resolved spontaneously within several minutes, but in some cases, hypertension lasted for several hours [see Clinical Trials Experience ( 6.1 )] .

Quoted from the official label, section “Warnings”.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Teratogenic Effects Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with adenosine; nor have studies been performed in pregnant women.
Because it is not known whether adenosine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women, adenosine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
It is not known whether adenosine is excreted in human milk.
Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from adenosine in nursing infants, the decision to interrupt nursing after administration of adenosine or not to administer adenosine, should take into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with adenosine; nor have studies been performed in pregnant women.
Because it is not known whether adenosine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women, adenosine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
8.3 Nursing Mothers It is not known whether adenosine is excreted in human milk.
Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from adenosine in nursing infants, the decision to interrupt nursing after administration of adenosine or not to administer adenosine, should take into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of adenosine in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.
8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies with adenosine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged younger than 65 years to determine whether they respond differently.
Other reported experience has not revealed clinically relevant differences of the response of elderly in comparison to younger patients.

Quoted from the official label, section “OTC — Pregnancy or Breast Feeding”.

Other medicines

Methylxanthines interfere with the activity of adenosine ( 7.1 , 10) Nucleoside transport inhibitors such as dipyridamole can increase the activity of adenosine ( 7.1 )
7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Adenosine The vasoactive effects of adenosine are inhibited by adenosine receptor antagonists, (such as methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine, aminophylline, and theophylline).
The safety and efficacy of adenosine in the presence of these agents has not been systematically evaluated [see Overdosage ( 10) ] .
The vasoactive effects of adenosine are potentiated by nucleoside transport inhibitors such as dipyridamole.
The safety and efficacy of adenosine in the presence of dipyridamole has not been systematically evaluated.
Whenever possible, drugs that might inhibit or augment the effects of adenosine should be withheld for at least five half-lives prior to the use of adenosine.
7.2 Effects of Adenosine on Other Drugs Adenosine injection has been given with other cardioactive drugs (such as beta adrenergic blocking agents, cardiac glycosides, and calcium channel blockers) without apparent adverse interactions, but its effectiveness with these agents has not been systematically evaluated.
Because of the potential for additive or synergistic depressant effects on the SA and AV nodes, however, adenosine should be used with caution in the presence of these agents [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .

Quoted from the official label, section “Drug Interactions”.

If you take too much

In an emergency, call your local emergency number or a poison control centre.

The half-life of adenosine is less than 10 seconds and adverse reactions of adenosine usually resolve quickly when the infusion is discontinued, although delayed or persistent reactions have been observed.
Methylxanthines, such as caffeine, aminophylline, and theophylline, are competitive adenosine receptor antagonists and theophylline has been used to terminate persistent adverse reactions.
In clinical trials, theophylline (50 to 125 mg slow intravenous injection) was used to attenuate adenosine adverse reactions in approximately 2% of patients.
Methylxanthine use is not recommended in patients who experience seizures in association with adenosine [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] .

Quoted from the official label, section “Overdosage”.

Use in children

The safety and effectiveness of adenosine in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.

Quoted from the official label, section “Pediatric Use”.

Use in older people

Clinical studies with adenosine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged younger than 65 years to determine whether they respond differently.
Other reported experience has not revealed clinically relevant differences of the response of elderly in comparison to younger patients.

Quoted from the official label, section “Geriatric Use”.

Side effects

The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the prescribing information:
Fatal Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Myocardial Infarction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Sinoatrial and Atrioventricular Nodal Block [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Bronchoconstriction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Cerebrovascular Accident [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Atrial fibrillation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 10%) are:
flushing; chest discomfort; shortness of breath; headache; throat, neck or jaw discomfort; gastrointestinal discomfort; and dizziness ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meitheal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-844-824-8426 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The following adverse reactions, with an incidence of at least 1%, were reported with adenosine among 1,421 patients in clinical trials. 11% of the adverse reactions occurred several hours after adenosine administration. 8% of the adverse reactions began with adenosine infusion and persisted for up to 24 hours.
The most common (incidence ≥ 10%) adverse reactions to adenosine are flushing, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, headache, throat, neck or jaw discomfort, gastrointestinal discomfort, and dizziness (Table 2).
Table 2 Adverse Reactions in Clinical Trials (Frequency ≥ 1%) Adverse Reactions Adenosine N=1,421 Flushing 44% Chest discomfort 40% Dyspnea 28% Headache 18% Throat, neck or jaw discomfort 15% Gastrointestinal discomfort 13% Lightheadedness/dizziness 12% Upper extremity discomfort 4% ST segment depression 3% First-degree AV block 3% Second-degree AV block 3% Paresthesia 2% Hypotension 2% Nervousness 2% Arrhythmias 1% Adverse reactions to adenosine of any severity reported in less than 1% of patients include:
Body as a Whole:
back discomfort, lower extremity discomfort, weakness Cardiovascular System:
myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmia, third-degree AV block, bradycardia, palpitation, sinus exit block, sinus pause, T-wave changes, hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 200 mm Hg) Respiratory System:
cough Central Nervous System:
drowsiness, emotional instability, tremors Genital/Urinary System:
vaginal pressure, urgency Special Senses:
blurred vision, dry mouth, ear discomfort, metallic taste, nasal congestion, scotomas, tongue discomfort
6.2 Post-Marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been reported from marketing experience with adenosine.
Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, are associated with concomitant diseases and multiple drug therapies and surgical procedures, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Cardiac Disorders:
cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia Gastrointestinal Disorders:
nausea and vomiting General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions:
chest pain, injection site reaction, infusion site pain Immune System Disorders:
hypersensitivity Nervous System Disorders:
cerebrovascular accident including intracranial hemorrhage, seizure activity including tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, loss of consciousness Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders:
bronchospasm, respiratory arrest, throat tightness

Quoted from the official label, section “Adverse Reactions”.

What to discuss with your doctor

Advise patients that they may be at increased risk of fatal and nonfatal heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, heart block, significant increase or decrease in blood pressure, bronchoconstriction, hypersensitivity reactions, seizures, or cerebrovascular accidents with the use of adenosine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 to 5.9 )] .
Advise patients with COPD or asthma to discuss their respiratory history with their clinician before scheduling a myocardial perfusion imaging study with adenosine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .
Methylxanthines have the potential to impact the effects of adenosine.
Instruct patients to
avoid consumption of any products containing methylxanthines, including caffeinated coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages, caffeine- containing drug products, aminophylline, and theophylline prior to the myocardial perfusion imaging study.
Question patients about a history of seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ), and Overdosage ( 10 )] . meitheal ® Mfd. for Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Chicago, IL 60631 (USA) ©2024 Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Mfd. by Nanjing King-Friend Biochemical Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Nanjing, China 210061 October 2024 8S8ACM9-00

Quoted from the official label, section “Patient Counseling Information”.

Strengths and forms

FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection:
60 mg per 20 mL (3 mg per mL) and 90 mg per 30 mL (3 mg per mL) in single-dose vials containing a sterile, nonpyrogenic, clear, colorless solution of adenosine, USP.
Injection:
60 mg per 20 mL (3 mg per mL) and 90 mg per 30 mL (3 mg per mL) in single-dose vials ( 3 )

Quoted from the official label, section “Dosage Forms & Strengths”.

What it looks like and how it is packed

How Supplied Adenosine injection, USP is supplied as 60 mg per 20 mL (3 mg per mL) and 90 mg per 30 mL (3 mg per mL) in single-dose vials of clear, colorless solution in normal saline.
NDC Adenosine Injection, USP (3 mg per mL) Package Factor 71288- 207 -21 60 mg per 20 mL Single-Dose Vial 10 vials per carton 71288- 208 -30 90 mg per 30 mL Single-Dose Vial 1 vial per carton Storage and Handling
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Do not refrigerate as crystallization may occur.
If crystallization has occurred, dissolve crystals by warming to room temperature.
The solution must be clear at the time of use Discard unused portion Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free.
The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

Quoted from the official label, section “How Supplied”.

How to store it

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Do not refrigerate as crystallization may occur.
If crystallization has occurred, dissolve crystals by warming to room temperature.
The solution must be clear at the time of use Discard unused portion Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free.
The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

Quoted from the official label, section “Storage and Handling”.

What is in it

Adenosine, USP is an endogenous nucleoside and is chemically described as 6-Amino-9- β -D-ribofuranosyl- 9H -purine.
Adenosine, USP has the following structural formula:
The molecular formula for adenosine, USP is C 10 H 13 N 5 O 4 and its molecular weight is 267.24.
Adenosine, USP is a white crystalline powder.
It is soluble in water and practically insoluble in alcohol.
Solubility increases by warming and lowering the pH of the solution.
Adenosine injection, USP is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, clear, colorless solution for intravenous use.
Each mL of adenosine injection, USP contains adenosine USP, 3 mg and sodium chloride 9 mg in water for injection q.s.
The pH of the solution is between 4.5 and 7.5.
Structural Formula

Quoted from the official label, section “Description”.

Ingredients people check for

Lactose, gluten, dyes, sugars and other ingredients that matter with an allergy, intolerance or diet — as this product’s FDA label lists them.

The stored label for this product has no list of inactive ingredients. The list on the pack is the one to check.

Quoted from the FDA label. A label that does not name an ingredient is not a guarantee that the product is free of it, and formulations change. With an allergy, check the pack and ask a pharmacist.

Every version of this medicine (13)

The same active substance, strength and kind of form, from every company that sells it — with what each label lists.

Showing 13 of 13

Same active substance, strength and form in other countries

Matched on active substance, strength and kind of form only. This is not a statement that the products are equivalent or interchangeable: other ingredients, release and approved uses can differ — ask a pharmacist before swapping.

Medicine passport: one printable page to show a pharmacist abroad

CanadaNo exact match for this strength and form

Every strength and form (3)

Netherlands3 matching products

Every strength and form (4)

Details

Made by	Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Active substance	Adenosine
Strength	3 mg/mL
Form	Injection, Solution
Route	Intravenous
Packs	10 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 CARTON / 20 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE · 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 CARTON / 30 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE
NDC	71288-207
NDC	71288-208

Source: NDC Directory · 2026-09-13 · not reviewed by a clinician

Source: US Food and Drug Administration, NDC Directory. Reuse terms: US government work (FDA).

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Other strengths and forms

17 products are sold under this name. Grouped by form; a number on a strength means several companies make it.

Injection, Solution9 products
- 3 mg/mL7
  3 mg/mL · 7 companies
  - Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC
  - Henry Schein, Inc.
  - Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  - HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst
  - Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. · this page
  - Mylan Institutional LLC
  - NorthStar Rx LLC
- 60 mg/20mL
- 90 mg/30mL
Injection7 products
- 3 mg/mL7
  3 mg/mL · 7 companies
Solution1 products
- 3 mg/mL

Same active substance

These contain the same substance. That does not mean one can replace another — ask a pharmacist.

Adenosine3 mg/mLPrescription onlyInjection, Solution NorthStar Rx LLC · Adenosine Adenosine3 mg/mLPrescription onlyInjection, Solution Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. · Adenosine Adenosine3 mg/mLPrescription onlyInjection Sagent Pharmaceuticals · Adenosine Adenosine3 mg/mLPrescription onlyInjection, Solution HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst · Adenosine Adenosine3 mg/mLPrescription onlyInjection HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst · Adenosine Adenosine60 mg/20mLPrescription onlyInjection, Solution Eugia US LLC · Adenosine

See every product with Adenosine