Antiarrhythmics
Adenosine
- ↑ K+ out of cells -> hyperpolarizing the cell and ↓ ICa, decreasing AV node conduction.
- Drug of choice in diagnosing/terminating certain forms of SVT.
- Very short acting (~ 15 sec).
- Effects blunted by theophylline and caffeine (both are adenosine receptor antagonists).
- Adverse effects include flushing, hypotension, chest pain, sense of impending doom, bronchospasm.
