ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS. The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the prescribing information:Fatal Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Myocardial Infarction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Sinoatrial and Atrioventricular Nodal Block [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Bronchoconstriction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Cerebrovascular Accident [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Atrial fibrillation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Fatal Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Myocardial Infarction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Sinoatrial and Atrioventricular Nodal Block [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Bronchoconstriction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Cerebrovascular Accident [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Atrial fibrillation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Most common adverse reactions (incidence >= 10%) are: flushing; chest discomfort; shortness of breath; headache; throat, neck or jaw discomfort; gastrointestinal discomfort; and dizziness (6.1)To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Akorn, Inc. at 1-800-932-5676 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 orwww.fda.gov/medwatch.. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience. Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.The following adverse reactions, with an incidence of at least 1%, were reported with adenosine among 1,421 patients in clinical trials. 11% of the adverse reactions occurred several hours after adenosine administration. 8% of the adverse reactions began with adenosine infusion and persisted for up to 24 hours.The most common (incidence >= 10%) adverse reactions to adenosine are flushing, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, headache, throat, neck or jaw discomfort, gastrointestinal discomfort, and dizziness (Table 2).Table Adverse Reactions in Clinical Trials (Frequency >= 1%)Adverse ReactionsAdenosine InjectionN=1,421Flushing44%Chest discomfort40%Dyspnea28%Headache18%Throat, neck or jaw discomfort15%Gastrointestinal discomfort13%Lightheadedness/dizziness12%Upper extremity discomfort4%ST segment depression3%First-degree AV block3%Second-degree AV block3%Paresthesia2%Hypotension2%Nervousness2%Arrhythmias1%Adverse reactions to adenosine injection of any severity reported in less than 1% of patients include:Body as Whole: back discomfort, lower extremity discomfort, weaknessCardiovascular System: myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmia, third-degree AV block, bradycardia, palpitation, sinus exit block, sinus pause, T-wave changes, hypertension (systolic blood pressure 200 mm Hg)Respiratory System: coughCentral nervous System: drowsiness, emotional instability, tremorsGenital/Urinary System: Vaginal pressure, urgencySpecial Senses: blurred vision, dry mouth, ear discomfort, metallic taste, nasal congestion, scotomas, tongue discomfort. 6.2 Post-Marketing Experience. The following adverse reactions have been reported from marketing experience with adenosine. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from population of uncertain size, are associated with concomitant diseases and multiple drug therapies and surgical procedures, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish causal relationship to drug exposure.Cardiac Disorders: cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmiaGastrointestinal Disorders: nausea and vomitingGeneral Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: chest pain, injection site reaction, infusion site painImmune System Disorders: hypersensitivityNervous System Disorders: cerebrovascular accident including intracranial hemorrhage, seizure activity including tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, loss of consciousnessRespiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: bronchospasm, respiratory arrest, throat tightness.

CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. Studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate adenosines carcinogenic potential or potential effects on fertility. Adenosine was negative for genotoxic potential in the Salmonella (Ames Test) and Mammalian Microsome Assay.Adenosine, however, like other nucleosides at millimolar concentrations present for several doubling times of cells in culture, is known to produce variety of chromosomal alterations.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. 12.1 Mechanism of Action. Adenosine causes cardiac vasodilation which increases cardiac blood flow. Adenosine is thought to exert its pharmacological effects through activation of purine receptors (cell-surface A1 and A2 adenosine receptors). Although the exact mechanism by which adenosine receptor activation relaxes vascular smooth muscle is not known, there is evidence to support both inhibition of the slow inward calcium current reducing calcium uptake, and activation of adenylate cyclase through A2 receptors in smooth muscle cells. Adenosine may also lessen vascular tone by modulating sympathetic neurotransmission. The intracellular uptake of adenosine is mediated by specific transmembrane nucleoside transport system. Once inside the cell, adenosine is rapidly phosphorylated by adenosine kinase to adenosine monophosphate, or deaminated by adenosine deaminase to inosine. These intracellular metabolites of adenosine are not vasoactive.Myocardial uptake of thallium-201 is directly proportional to coronary blood flow. Since adenosine significantly increases blood flow in normal coronary arteries with little or no increase in stenotic arteries, adenosine causes relatively less thallium-201 uptake in vascular territories supplied by stenotic coronary arteries i.e., greater difference is seen after adenosine between areas served by normal and areas served by stenotic vessels than is seen prior to adenosine.. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics. Hemodynamic EffectsAdenosine produces direct negative chronotropic, dromotropic and inotropic effect on the heart, presumably due to A1 -receptor agonism, and produces peripheral vasodilation, presumably due to A2 -receptor agonism. The net effect of adenosine in humans is typically mild to moderate reduction in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure associated with reflex increase in heart rate. Rarely, significant hypotension and tachycardia have been observed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics. DistributionIntravenously administered adenosine distributes from the circulation via cellular uptake, primarily by erythrocytes and vascular endothelial cells. This process involves specific transmembrane nucleoside carrier system that is reversible, nonconcentrative, and bidirectionally symmetrical.. MetabolismIntracellular adenosine is metabolized either via phosphorylation to adenosine monophosphate by adenosine kinase, or via deamination to inosine by adenosine deaminase in the cytosol. Since adenosine kinase has lower m and Vmax than adenosine deaminase, deamination plays significant role only when cytosolic adenosine saturates the phosphorylation pathway. Inosine formed by deamination of adenosine can leave the cell intact or can be degraded to hypoxanthine, xanthine, and ultimately uric acid. Adenosine monophosphate formed by phosphorylation of adenosine is incorporated into the high-energy phosphate pool.. EliminationWhile extracellular adenosine is primarily cleared from plasma by cellular uptake with half-life of less than 10 seconds in whole blood, excessive amounts may be deaminated by an ecto-form of adenosine deaminase.. Specific Populations. Renal ImpairmentAs adenosine does not require renal function for its activation or inactivation, renal impairment would not be expected to alter its effectiveness or tolerability.. Hepatic ImpairmentAs adenosine does not require hepatic function for its activation or inactivation, hepatic impairment would not be expected to alter its effectiveness or tolerability.

CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES. In two crossover comparative studies involving 319 subjects who could exercise (including 106 healthy volunteers and 213 patients with known or suspected coronary disease), adenosine and exercise thallium images were compared by blinded observers. The images were concordant for the presence of perfusion defects in 85.5% of cases by global analysis (patient by patient) and up to 93% of cases based on vascular territories.In the two studies, 193 patients also had recent coronary arteriography for comparison (healthy volunteers were not catheterized). The sensitivity for detecting angiographically significant disease (>= 50% reduction in the luminal diameter of at least one major vessel) was 64% for adenosine and 64% for exercise testing. The specificity was 54% for adenosine and 65% for exercise testing. The 95% confidence limits for adenosine sensitivity were 56% to 78% and for specificity were 37% to 71%.Intracoronary Doppler flow catheter studies have demonstrated that dose of intravenous adenosine injection of 0.14 mg/kg/min produces maximum coronary hyperemia (relative to intracoronary papaverine) in approximately 95% of cases within two to three minutes of the onset of the infusion. Coronary blood flow velocity returns to basal levels within one to two minutes of discontinuing the adenosine infusion.

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS. Adenosine injection is contraindicated in patients with:Second- or third-degree AV block (except in patients with functioning artificial pacemaker) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Sinus node disease, such as sick sinus syndrome or symptomatic bradycardia (except in patients with functioning artificial pacemaker) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Known or suspected bronchoconstrictive or bronchospastic lung disease (e.g., asthma) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Known hypersensitivity to adenosine injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Second- or third-degree AV block (except in patients with functioning artificial pacemaker) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Sinus node disease, such as sick sinus syndrome or symptomatic bradycardia (except in patients with functioning artificial pacemaker) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Known or suspected bronchoconstrictive or bronchospastic lung disease (e.g., asthma) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Known hypersensitivity to adenosine injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Second- or third-degree AV block (except in patients with functioning artificial pacemaker) (4)Sinus node disease, such as sick sinus syndrome or symptomatic bradycardia (except in patients with functioning artificial pacemaker) (4)Known or suspected bronchoconstrictive or bronchospastic lung disease (e.g., asthma) (4)Known hypersensitivity to adenosine injection (4). Second- or third-degree AV block (except in patients with functioning artificial pacemaker) (4). Sinus node disease, such as sick sinus syndrome or symptomatic bradycardia (except in patients with functioning artificial pacemaker) (4). Known or suspected bronchoconstrictive or bronchospastic lung disease (e.g., asthma) (4). Known hypersensitivity to adenosine injection (4).

DESCRIPTION SECTION.

11 DESCRIPTION. Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside and is chemically described as 6-amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9-H-purine. Adenosine has the following structural formula:The molecular formula for adenosine is C10 H13 N5 O4 and its molecular weight is 267.24.Adenosine is white crystalline powder. It is soluble in water and practically insoluble in alcohol. Solubility increases by warming and lowering the pH of the solution.Each Adenosine Injection, USP vial contains sterile, non-pyrogenic solution of adenosine mg/mL and sodium chloride mg/mL in water for injection, with pH between 4.5 and 7.5.. Structural Formula.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. The recommended Adenosine Injection dose is 0.14 mg/kg/min infused over six minutes (total dose of 0.84 mg/kg) (Table 1).Administer adenosine only as continuous peripheral intravenous infusionInject Thallium-201 at the midpoint of the adenosine infusion (i.e., after the first three minutes of adenosine)Thallium-201 is physically compatible with adenosine and may be injected directly into the adenosine infusion setInject Thallium-201 as close to the venous access as possible to prevent an inadvertent increase in the dose of adenosine (the contents of the intravenous tubing) being administeredVisually inspect adenosine for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not administer adenosine if it contains particulate matter or is discolored.There are no data on the safety or efficacy of alternative adenosine infusion protocols. The safety and efficacy of adenosine administered by the intracoronary route have not been established.Table Dosage Chart for Adenosine InjectionPatient Weight(kilograms)Infusion Rate(mL per minute over minutes for total dose of0.84 mg/kg)452.1502.3552.6602.8653703.3753.5803.8854904.2The nomogram displayed in Table was derived from the following general formula: 0.14 (mg/kg/min) total body weight (kg) Infusion rate Adenosine concentration (mL/min) (3 mg/mL). Administer adenosine only as continuous peripheral intravenous infusion. Inject Thallium-201 at the midpoint of the adenosine infusion (i.e., after the first three minutes of adenosine). Thallium-201 is physically compatible with adenosine and may be injected directly into the adenosine infusion set. Inject Thallium-201 as close to the venous access as possible to prevent an inadvertent increase in the dose of adenosine (the contents of the intravenous tubing) being administered. Recommended dose is 0.14 mg/kg/min infused over six minutes as continuous peripheral intravenous infusion (total dose of 0.84 mg/kg) (2).

DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS. Adenosine Injection is supplied as 20 mL and 30 mL single-dose vials containing sterile, nonpyrogenic, clear solution of adenosine mg/mL.. For Injection: mg/mL in single-dose vials (3).

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS. Methylxanthines interfere with the activity of adenosine (7.1, 10)Nucleoside transport inhibitors such as dipyridamole can increase the activity of adenosine (7.1). Methylxanthines interfere with the activity of adenosine (7.1, 10). Nucleoside transport inhibitors such as dipyridamole can increase the activity of adenosine (7.1). 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Adenosine. The vasoactive effects of adenosine are inhibited by adenosine receptor antagonists, (such as methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine, aminophylline, and theophylline). The safety and efficacy of adenosine in the presence of these agents has not been systematically evaluated [see Overdosage (10)].The vasoactive effects of adenosine are potentiated by nucleoside transport inhibitors such as dipyridamole. The safety and efficacy of adenosine in the presence of dipyridamole has not been systematically evaluated.Whenever possible, drugs that might inhibit or augment the effects of adenosine should be withheld for at least five half-lives prior to the use of adenosine.. The vasoactive effects of adenosine are inhibited by adenosine receptor antagonists, (such as methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine, aminophylline, and theophylline). The safety and efficacy of adenosine in the presence of these agents has not been systematically evaluated [see Overdosage (10)].. The vasoactive effects of adenosine are potentiated by nucleoside transport inhibitors such as dipyridamole. The safety and efficacy of adenosine in the presence of dipyridamole has not been systematically evaluated.. Whenever possible, drugs that might inhibit or augment the effects of adenosine should be withheld for at least five half-lives prior to the use of adenosine.. 7.2 Effects of Adenosine on Other Drugs. Adenosine injection has been given with other cardioactive drugs (such as beta adrenergic blocking agents, cardiac glycosides, and calcium channel blockers) without apparent adverse interactions, but its effectiveness with these agents has not been systematically evaluated. Because of the potential for additive or synergistic depressant effects on the SA and AV nodes, however, adenosine should be used with caution in the presence of these agents [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

GERIATRIC USE SECTION.

8.5 Geriatric Use. Clinical studies with adenosine injection did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged younger than 65 years to determine whether they respond differently. Other reported experience has not revealed clinically relevant differences of the response of elderly in comparison to younger patients.

HOW SUPPLIED SECTION.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING. Adenosine Injection, USP is supplied as 20 mL and 30 mL vials of sterile, nonpyrogenic, preservative-free, solution in normal saline:NDC 17478-544-20 60 mg/20 mL (3 mg/mL) in 20 mL single-dose, flip-top glass vial, packaged individuallyNDC 17478-544-30 90 mg/30 mL (3 mg/mL) in 30 mL single-dose, flip-top glass vial, packaged individually. Storage: Store at 20o to 25oC (68o to 77oF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].DO NOT REFRIGERATE as crystallization may occur. If crystallization has occurred, dissolve crystals by warming to room temperature. The solution must be clear at the time of use.Discard unused portion.

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE. Adenosine injection, USP is indicated as an adjunct to thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in patients unable to exercise adequately.. Adenosine injection, USP, pharmacologic stress agent, is indicated as an adjunct to thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in patients unable to exercise adequately (1).

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. Advise patients that they may be at increased risk of fatal and nonfatal heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, heart block, significant increase or decrease in blood pressure, bronchoconstriction, hypersensitivity reactions, seizures, or cerebrovascular accidents with the use of adenosine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 to 5.9)]. Advise patients with COPD or asthma to discuss their respiratory history with their clinician before scheduling myocardial perfusion imaging study with adenosine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].Methylxanthines have the potential to impact the effects of adenosine. Instruct patients to avoid consumption of any products containing methylxanthines, including caffeinated coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages, caffeine-containing drug products, aminophylline, and theophylline prior to the myocardial perfusion imaging study. Question patients about history of seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Drug Interactions (7.1), and Overdosage (10)].AKORN Manufactured by: Akorn, Inc. Lake Forest, IL 60045AD00N Rev. 08/19. Advise patients that they may be at increased risk of fatal and nonfatal heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, heart block, significant increase or decrease in blood pressure, bronchoconstriction, hypersensitivity reactions, seizures, or cerebrovascular accidents with the use of adenosine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 to 5.9)]. Advise patients with COPD or asthma to discuss their respiratory history with their clinician before scheduling myocardial perfusion imaging study with adenosine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].. Methylxanthines have the potential to impact the effects of adenosine. Instruct patients to avoid consumption of any products containing methylxanthines, including caffeinated coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages, caffeine-containing drug products, aminophylline, and theophylline prior to the myocardial perfusion imaging study. Question patients about history of seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Drug Interactions (7.1), and Overdosage (10)].

MECHANISM OF ACTION SECTION.

12.1 Mechanism of Action. Adenosine causes cardiac vasodilation which increases cardiac blood flow. Adenosine is thought to exert its pharmacological effects through activation of purine receptors (cell-surface A1 and A2 adenosine receptors). Although the exact mechanism by which adenosine receptor activation relaxes vascular smooth muscle is not known, there is evidence to support both inhibition of the slow inward calcium current reducing calcium uptake, and activation of adenylate cyclase through A2 receptors in smooth muscle cells. Adenosine may also lessen vascular tone by modulating sympathetic neurotransmission. The intracellular uptake of adenosine is mediated by specific transmembrane nucleoside transport system. Once inside the cell, adenosine is rapidly phosphorylated by adenosine kinase to adenosine monophosphate, or deaminated by adenosine deaminase to inosine. These intracellular metabolites of adenosine are not vasoactive.Myocardial uptake of thallium-201 is directly proportional to coronary blood flow. Since adenosine significantly increases blood flow in normal coronary arteries with little or no increase in stenotic arteries, adenosine causes relatively less thallium-201 uptake in vascular territories supplied by stenotic coronary arteries i.e., greater difference is seen after adenosine between areas served by normal and areas served by stenotic vessels than is seen prior to adenosine.

NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY SECTION.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY. 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. Studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate adenosines carcinogenic potential or potential effects on fertility. Adenosine was negative for genotoxic potential in the Salmonella (Ames Test) and Mammalian Microsome Assay.Adenosine, however, like other nucleosides at millimolar concentrations present for several doubling times of cells in culture, is known to produce variety of chromosomal alterations.

NURSING MOTHERS SECTION.

8.3 Nursing Mothers. It is not known whether adenosine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from adenosine in nursing infants, the decision to interrupt nursing after administration of adenosine or not to administer adenosine, should take into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

OVERDOSAGE SECTION.

10 OVERDOSAGE. The half-life of adenosine is less than 10 seconds and adverse reactions of adenosine usually resolve quickly when the infusion is discontinued, although delayed or persistent reactions have been observed. Methylxanthines, such as caffeine, aminophylline, and theophylline, are competitive adenosine receptor antagonists and theophylline has been used to terminate persistent adverse reactions. In clinical trials, theophylline (50 to 125 mg slow intravenous injection) was used to attenuate adenosine adverse reactions in approximately 2% of patients. Methylxanthine use is not recommended in patients who experience seizures in association with adenosine injection [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL.

Principal Display Panel Text for Container Label:NDC 17478-544-20AdenosineInjection, USP60 mg/20 mL(3 mg/mL)For Intravenous Infusion Only20 mL Single-Dose VialRx only. Principal Display Panel Text for Container Label.

PEDIATRIC USE SECTION.

8.4 Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness of adenosine in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.

PHARMACODYNAMICS SECTION.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics. Hemodynamic EffectsAdenosine produces direct negative chronotropic, dromotropic and inotropic effect on the heart, presumably due to A1 -receptor agonism, and produces peripheral vasodilation, presumably due to A2 -receptor agonism. The net effect of adenosine in humans is typically mild to moderate reduction in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure associated with reflex increase in heart rate. Rarely, significant hypotension and tachycardia have been observed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

PHARMACOKINETICS SECTION.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics. DistributionIntravenously administered adenosine distributes from the circulation via cellular uptake, primarily by erythrocytes and vascular endothelial cells. This process involves specific transmembrane nucleoside carrier system that is reversible, nonconcentrative, and bidirectionally symmetrical.. MetabolismIntracellular adenosine is metabolized either via phosphorylation to adenosine monophosphate by adenosine kinase, or via deamination to inosine by adenosine deaminase in the cytosol. Since adenosine kinase has lower m and Vmax than adenosine deaminase, deamination plays significant role only when cytosolic adenosine saturates the phosphorylation pathway. Inosine formed by deamination of adenosine can leave the cell intact or can be degraded to hypoxanthine, xanthine, and ultimately uric acid. Adenosine monophosphate formed by phosphorylation of adenosine is incorporated into the high-energy phosphate pool.. EliminationWhile extracellular adenosine is primarily cleared from plasma by cellular uptake with half-life of less than 10 seconds in whole blood, excessive amounts may be deaminated by an ecto-form of adenosine deaminase.. Specific Populations. Renal ImpairmentAs adenosine does not require renal function for its activation or inactivation, renal impairment would not be expected to alter its effectiveness or tolerability.. Hepatic ImpairmentAs adenosine does not require hepatic function for its activation or inactivation, hepatic impairment would not be expected to alter its effectiveness or tolerability.

PREGNANCY SECTION.

8.1 Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with adenosine; nor have studies been performed in pregnant women. Because it is not known whether adenosine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women, adenosine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.

5.1 Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Myocardial Infarction. Fatal and nonfatal cardiac arrest, sustained ventricular tachycardia (requiring resuscitation), and myocardial infarction have occurred following adenosine infusion. Avoid use in patients with symptoms or signs of acute myocardial ischemia, for example, unstable angina or cardiovascular instability; these patients may be at greater risk of serious cardiovascular reactions to adenosine. Appropriate resuscitative measures should be available [see Overdosage (10)].

STORAGE AND HANDLING SECTION.

Storage: Store at 20o to 25oC (68o to 77oF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].DO NOT REFRIGERATE as crystallization may occur. If crystallization has occurred, dissolve crystals by warming to room temperature. The solution must be clear at the time of use.Discard unused portion.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. 8.1 Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with adenosine; nor have studies been performed in pregnant women. Because it is not known whether adenosine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women, adenosine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.. 8.3 Nursing Mothers. It is not known whether adenosine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from adenosine in nursing infants, the decision to interrupt nursing after administration of adenosine or not to administer adenosine, should take into account the importance of the drug to the mother.. 8.4 Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness of adenosine in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.. 8.5 Geriatric Use. Clinical studies with adenosine injection did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged younger than 65 years to determine whether they respond differently. Other reported experience has not revealed clinically relevant differences of the response of elderly in comparison to younger patients.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Myocardial Infarction Fatal cardiac events have occurred. Avoid use in patients with symptoms or signs of acute myocardial ischemia. Appropriate resuscitative measures should be available (5.1)Sinoatrial (SA) and Atrioventricular (AV) Nodal Block First-, second- or third-degree AV block, or sinus bradycardia can occur. Discontinue adenosine injection if patient develops persistent or symptomatic high-grade AV block (5.2)Bronchoconstriction Can induce dyspnea, bronchoconstriction, and respiratory compromise, especially in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease. Discontinue adenosine injection if patient develops severe respiratory difficulties (5.3)Hypotension Significant hypotension can occur. Discontinue adenosine if patient develops persistent or symptomatic hypotension (5.4)Cerebrovascular Accidents Hemorrhagic and ischemic cerebrovascular accidents have occurred (5.5)SeizuresNew onset or recurrence of convulsive seizures have occurred. Use of methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine, aminophylline and theophylline) is not recommended in patients who experience seizures in association with adenosine (5.6)Hypersensitivity Dyspnea, throat tightness, flushing, erythema, rash, and chest discomfort have occurred. Have personnel and resuscitative equipment immediately available (5.7)Atrial Fibrillation Reported in patients with or without history of atrial fibrillation (5.8)Hypertension Clinically significant increases in systolic and diastolic pressure have been observed (5.9). Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Myocardial Infarction Fatal cardiac events have occurred. Avoid use in patients with symptoms or signs of acute myocardial ischemia. Appropriate resuscitative measures should be available (5.1). Sinoatrial (SA) and Atrioventricular (AV) Nodal Block First-, second- or third-degree AV block, or sinus bradycardia can occur. Discontinue adenosine injection if patient develops persistent or symptomatic high-grade AV block (5.2). Bronchoconstriction Can induce dyspnea, bronchoconstriction, and respiratory compromise, especially in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease. Discontinue adenosine injection if patient develops severe respiratory difficulties (5.3). Hypotension Significant hypotension can occur. Discontinue adenosine if patient develops persistent or symptomatic hypotension (5.4). Cerebrovascular Accidents Hemorrhagic and ischemic cerebrovascular accidents have occurred (5.5). SeizuresNew onset or recurrence of convulsive seizures have occurred. Use of methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine, aminophylline and theophylline) is not recommended in patients who experience seizures in association with adenosine (5.6). Hypersensitivity Dyspnea, throat tightness, flushing, erythema, rash, and chest discomfort have occurred. Have personnel and resuscitative equipment immediately available (5.7). Atrial Fibrillation Reported in patients with or without history of atrial fibrillation (5.8). Hypertension Clinically significant increases in systolic and diastolic pressure have been observed (5.9). 5.1 Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Myocardial Infarction. Fatal and nonfatal cardiac arrest, sustained ventricular tachycardia (requiring resuscitation), and myocardial infarction have occurred following adenosine infusion. Avoid use in patients with symptoms or signs of acute myocardial ischemia, for example, unstable angina or cardiovascular instability; these patients may be at greater risk of serious cardiovascular reactions to adenosine. Appropriate resuscitative measures should be available [see Overdosage (10)].. 5.2 Sinoatrial and Atrioventricular Nodal Block. Adenosine exerts direct depressant effect on the SA and AV nodes and may cause first-, second- or third-degree AV block, or sinus bradycardia. In clinical trials, approximately 6% of patients developed AV block following adenosine administration (first-degree heart block developed in 3%, second-degree in 3%, and third-degree in 0.8% of patients) [see Clinical Trials Experience (6.1)].Use adenosine with caution in patients with pre-existing first-degree AV block or bundle branch block. Do not use in patients with high-grade AV block or sinus node dysfunction (except in patients with functioning artificial pacemaker). Discontinue adenosine in any patient who develops persistent or symptomatic high-grade AV block.. 5.3 Bronchoconstriction. Adenosine administration can cause dyspnea, bronchoconstriction, and respiratory compromise. Adenosine should be used with caution in patients with obstructive lung disease not associated with bronchoconstriction (e.g., emphysema, bronchitis). Do not use in patients with bronchoconstriction or bronchospasm (e.g., asthma). Discontinue adenosine in any patient who develops severe respiratory difficulties. Resuscitative measures should be available prior to adenosine administration [see Clinical Trials Experience (6.1), Overdosage (10), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. 5.4 Hypotension. Adenosine is potent peripheral vasodilator and can induce significant hypotension. The risk of serious hypotension may be higher in patients with autonomic dysfunction, hypovolemia, stenotic valvular heart disease, pericarditis or pericardial effusions, or stenotic carotid artery disease with cerebrovascular insufficiency. Discontinue adenosine in any patient who develops persistent or symptomatic hypotension.. 5.5 Cerebrovascular Accident. Hemorrhagic and ischemic cerebrovascular accidents have occurred. Hemodynamic effects of adenosine including hypotension or hypertension can be associated with these adverse reactions. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and (5.9)].. 5.6 Seizures. New-onset or recurrence of convulsive seizures has occurred following adenosine. Some seizures are prolonged and require emergent anticonvulsive management. Aminophylline may increase the risk of seizures associated with adenosine. Methylxanthine use is not recommended in patients who experience seizures in association with adenosine administration [see Overdosage (10)]. 5.7 Hypersensitivity. Dyspnea, throat tightness, flushing, erythema, rash, and chest discomfort have occurred. Symptomatic treatment may be required. Have personnel and appropriate treatment available. Resuscitative measures may be necessary if symptoms progress. [see Post-Marketing Experience (6.2)]. 5.8 Atrial Fibrillation. Adenosine can cause atrial fibrillation in patients with or without history of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation typically began 1.5 to minutes after initiation of adenosine, lasted for 15 seconds to hours, and spontaneously converted to normal sinus rhythm [see Post-Marketing Experience (6.2)].. 5.9 Hypertension. Adenosine can induce clinically significant increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Most increases resolved spontaneously within several minutes, but in some cases, hypertension lasted for several hours [see Clinical Trials Experience (6.1)].