Overview

Adenosine is a chemical found in human cells. There are three different forms: adenosine, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Adenosine blocks electrical signals in the heart that cause irregular heart rhythms. ATP might also prevent changes in energy metabolism that cause weight loss in people with advanced cancer.

An injectable form of adenosine is a US FDA-approved prescription drug for a condition involving rapid heart rate (paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia). It is also used as a prescription drug to help measure blockages in the arteries of the heart. People also use adenosine, AMP, and ATP as supplements for athletic performance, cold sores, and many other purposes, but there is no good evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Likely Effective for

  • A heart condition marked by episodes of rapid heart rate (paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia). Adenosine is a prescription-only IV medicine approved to treat certain kinds of irregular heartbeat. This product can only be given by a healthcare provider.
  • Diagnosing heart disease. Adenosine is a prescription-only IV medicine approved to diagnose coronary artery disease. This product can only be given by a healthcare provider.

Possibly Effective for

  • Involuntary weight loss in people who are very ill (cachexia or wasting syndrome). Giving ATP by IV seems to improve appetite, food intake, and quality of life in people with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and other tumors. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Heart attack. Giving adenosine by IV or injection directly into the heart vessels during procedures for a heart attack doesn't seem to reduce death or serious complications. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
  • Pain after surgery. Giving adenosine by IV after surgery doesn't seem to reduce pain or the use of pain medication. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
  • Nausea and vomiting after surgery. Giving adenosine by IV after surgery doesn't seem to reduce nausea or vomiting. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
There is interest in using adenosine for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if adenosine is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if adenosine is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if adenosine is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Dipyridamole (Persantine) interacts with ADENOSINE

    Dipyridamole can slow down how quickly the body gets rid of adenosine. This increases the risk for serious side effects from adenosine. Do not take adenosine if you are taking dipyridamole.

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol) interacts with ADENOSINE

    Adenosine can slow down the heartbeat. Taking carbamazepine with adenosine might cause the heart to beat too slowly.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Methylxanthines interacts with ADENOSINE

    Methylxanthines might block the effects of adenosine. Adenosine is often used by doctors to do a test on the heart. This test is called a cardiac stress test. Stop taking methylxanthines at least 24 hours before a cardiac stress test.

Dosing

Adenosine is available as a prescription-only IV medicine approved for certain conditions. When used as a supplement, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of adenosine might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Next
View References

You Might Also Like

Gene Mutations in NSCLC
Treating Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Living With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Lung Cancer Stealing Your Appetite? Why It Happens
View More

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.