Adenosine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 12, 2024.

Applies to adenosine: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects of adenosine

Along with its needed effects, adenosine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking adenosine:

More common side effects

• chest discomfort
• difficult or labored breathing
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• throat, neck, or jaw discomfort
• tightness in the chest

Less common side effects

• chest pain
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• sweating
• troubled breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare side effects

• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• headache
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears

Other side effects of adenosine

Some side effects of adenosine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• diarrhea
• feeling of warmth
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• passing of gas
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• stomach pain, fullness, or discomfort

Rare side effects

• area of decreased vision
• cough
• discomfort in the back, ears, or tongue
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• metallic taste
• mood changes
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• stuffy nose
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

For healthcare professionals

Applies to adenosine: compounding powder, intravenous solution, sublingual spray.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions are flushing, chest discomfort, dyspnea, facial flushing, headache, throat/neck/jaw discomfort, gastrointestinal discomfort, and lightheadedness/dizziness.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Flushing (44%), facial flushing (18%)
• Common (1% to 10%): First degree atrioventricular block, second degree atrioventricular block, hypotension, arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, palpitations
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, Torsade de pointes, severe bradycardia
• Frequency not reported: Myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmia, third degree atrioventricular block, sinus exit block, sinus pause, hypertension, skipped beats, atrial extrasystoles, ventricular extrasystoles
• Postmarketing reports: Cardiac arrest/asystole, cardiac failure, tachycardia, prolonged asystole, transient increase in blood pressure^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Chest discomfort (40%)
• Common (1% to 10%): ST segment depression, chest pressure
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Feeling of general discomfort/weakness/pain
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Tinnitus, nipple discomfort
• Frequency not reported: Chest pain, feeling of thoracic constriction/oppression, weakness, T wave changes, ear discomfort, tongue discomfort, heaviness in arms, pressure in groin
• Postmarketing reports: ST segment elevation^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (up to 28%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperventilation
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bronchospasm, nasal congestion
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Respiratory failure
• Frequency not reported: Cough, throat tightness
• Postmarketing reports: Respiratory arrest/apnea^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 18%), lightheadedness/dizziness (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia, tingling in arms, numbness, burning sensation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Metallic taste, head pressure
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Tremor, drowsiness
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Intracranial hypertension worsening
• Frequency not reported: Scotomas, convulsions
• Postmarketing reports: Cerebrovascular accident, intracranial hemorrhage, seizure, tonic clonic seizures, loss of consciousness/syncope^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Throat/neck/jaw discomfort (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Upper extremity discomfort
• Frequency not reported: Back discomfort, lower extremity discomfort, neck and back pain^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Gastrointestinal discomfort (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth, nausea
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal discomfort
• Postmarketing reports: Vomiting^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Nervousness, apprehension
• Frequency not reported: Emotional instability^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sweating
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, urticaria, rash^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Urinary urgency
• Frequency not reported: Vaginal pressure^[Ref]

Local

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Injection site reaction
• Postmarketing reports: Infusion site pain^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Further information

Adenosine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer