Comparison of Persantine & Adenosine

When a doctor diagnoses heart issues, a number of medications become treatment options. Persantine and Adenosine are two different heart medications, but the ways they are used and administered differ dramatically.

Uses

• Persantine, also known as Dipyridamole, is a drug usually prescribed after heart surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. It can also be used in conjunction with aspirin to prevent heart attacks. Adenosine is a compound that occurs naturally in the body. Some of its most important pharmacological uses involve the heart, where it can help prevent arrhythmia and scarring in situations where the heart does not receive enough blood.

Side Effects

• Persantine can have mild side effects such itching, dizziness, vomiting and headache; and more serious ones, such as chest pain, bleeding, bruising or yellowing of the skin. The side effects of Adenosine are usually mild and can include flushing, numbness, lightheadedness, rashes or nausea.

Dosages

• Persantine is a pill that is taken by mouth several times a day, which comes in increments of 25, 50 and 70 milligrams. A doctor generally prescribes Persantine for an extended period of time. Adenosine is usually injected as close to the heart as possible in 6-milligram dosages in emergency situations.