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The standard dose for adenosine in treating SVT is 6 mg given as a rapid IV push. The dose should be immediately followed by a saline flush and works best if the drug is administered through a good, proximal (e.g. antecubital) IV line.
A few points:
- The initial dose of adenosine should be reduced to 3 mg if the dose is administered through a central line, if the patient has a transplanted heart, or if the patient is taking carbamazepine or dipyridimole.
- The initial dose of adenosine should be increased to 9-12 mg if the patient is taking theophylline or large doses of caffeine.
- ALWAYS warn the patient that he/she will experience 5-10 seconds of chest pressure, warmth, dyspnea, and perhaps a feeling of "impending doom" as the adenosine kicks-in, and reassure the patient that the sensation will resolve. Failure to warn the patient of these symptoms may result in the patient refusing to ever take the medication again...plus it's just plain cruel to not warn the patient.