What is the duration of action for Adenosine?

The duration of action for Adenosine is typically very short, generally lasting about 1 to 2 minutes. This reflects its pharmacokinetic profile, where Adenosine provides a rapid effect in the treatment of certain types of tachycardia, specifically paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

It is important to understand that Adenosine works quickly to restore normal heart rhythm, which is crucial during a medical emergency. The brief action period of Adenosine allows it to be effective for acute situations without prolonged effects that could complicate patient management.

Knowing the actual duration of action helps healthcare providers anticipate the need for additional treatments or interventions if the heart rate does not stabilize after this brief period. Understanding this pharmacological characteristic is essential for paramedics, as it affects decision-making in critical care scenarios.