PROTOCOLS

ALS PRACTITIONER PROTOCOLSADVERSE EFFECTS:• Transient• CVS:o Vasodilation- Flushing- Light-headedness- Headache- Hypotensiono Arrhythmias- Chest pain, Palpitations- Transient or prolonged sinus bradycardia / sinus arrest / heartblocks / asystole- Ventricular ectopics, non-sustained V Tach, sustained torsadesde pointes, V Fib- Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias• Other:o Paresthaesiao Diaphoresiso Dyspnoeao Bronchoconstrictiono Nauseao Metallic taste in moutho Chest tightnessPRECAUTIONS:• Adenosine has proarrhythmic potential, often inducing ventricularectopics and V Tach(In most patients the V Tach is brief and self-terminating)• Adenosine can cause clinically significant bradyarrhythmias (incl asystole)& tachyarrhythmias, which may be life threatening• Extra caution is required with the elderly population & in patients withsinus node disease• Constant ECG monitoring is to occur during administration• Avoid in patients taking dipyridamole, carbamazepine (need to halvedose if required)24 SEPTEMBER 2006