Adenosine Treatments

Adenoside is a sugar that occurs naturally in the body and can be used as a medicine for heart problems and swelling. Adenoside has a depressive effect on the nervous system and it is the blockage of adenoside receptors by caffeine molecules that causes the hyperactivity associated with caffeine intake. Caffeine has been shown to cause irregular and rapid heartbeats, which is a direct result of the adenoside receptor blockage. Introducing adenoside into patients with rapid heart rhythm can offset the abnormality and return the beat to normal.

Treatments

• In cases of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia or rapid rhythm of the heart, an intravenous injection of adenoside returns the heart to its normal beat. Adenoside does this by slowing the time it takes for electrical impulses to contract the heart, thus returning the beat to its normal rhythm. The ingestion of caffeine can have a negative effect on the patient and re-create the abnormal or rapid heartbeat.

  When used topically as a cream adenoside can reduce swelling and increase healing, especially in the feet, an area associated specifically with diabetes patients. Studies have shown that adenoside cream can rapidly reduce swelling and aid cellular repair and regeneration in wounds.

Warnings

• While adenoside can be effective in treating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, it should not be used for these other heart conditions: atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Adenoside is also not 100 percent safe for those with sinoatrial nodal dysfunction. Patients with an S-A nodal dysfunction have been known to have a negative and sometimes fatal reaction.

  There are also some normal side effects associated with adenoside treatments, including heart palpitation and chest pain, abnormally low blood pressure, facial flushing, headache, dizziness, nausea and numbness, but they often are short-lived. If side effects persist, contact your physician.