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FDA Drug information

Adenosine

Read time: 1 mins
Marketing start date: 02 May 2024

Summary of product characteristics


Adverse Reactions

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 )] 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 Fresenius Kabi, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.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 a 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 2. Adverse Reactions in Clinical Trials (Frequency ≥ 1%) Adverse Reactions Adenosine N=1,421 Flushing 44% Chest discomfort 40% Dyspnea 28% Headache 18% Throat, neck or jaw discomfort 15% Gastrointestinal discomfort 13% Lightheadedness/dizziness 12% Upper extremity discomfort 4% ST segment depression 3% First-degree AV block 3% Second-degree AV block 3% Paresthesia 2% Hypotension 2% Nervousness 2% Arrhythmias 1% Adverse reactions to adenosine of any severity reported in less than 1% of patients include: Body as a Whole: back discomfort, lower extremity discomfort, weakness Cardiovascular 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: cough Central Nervous System: drowsiness, emotional instability, tremors Genital/Urinary System: vaginal pressure, urgency Special 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 a 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 a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiac Disorders: cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia Gastrointestinal Disorders: nausea and vomiting General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: chest pain, injection site reaction, infusion site pain Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity Nervous System Disorders: cerebrovascular accident including intracranial hemorrhage, seizure activity including tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, loss of consciousness Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: bronchospasm, respiratory arrest, throat tightness

Contraindications

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

Description

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: C 10 H 13 N 5 O 4 M.W. 267.25 Adenosine is a 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 a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of adenosine 60 mg/20 mL (3 mg/mL) and sodium chloride 9 mg/mL in water for injection or 90 mg/30 mL (3 mg/mL) and sodium chloride 9 mg/mL in water for injection with a pH between 4.5 and 7.5. structure

Dosage And Administration

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 injection only as a 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 injection 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 injection (the contents of the intravenous tubing) being administered Visually inspect adenosine injection for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not administer adenosine injection 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 injection administered by the intracoronary route have not been established. Table 1. Dosage Chart for Adenosine Injection Patient Weight (kilograms) Infusion Rate (mL per minute over 6 minutes for total dose of 0.84 mg/kg) 45 2.1 50 2.3 55 2.6 60 2.8 65 3 70 3.3 75 3.5 80 3.8 85 4 90 4.2 The nomogram displayed in Table 1 was derived from the following general formula: 0.14 (mg/kg/min) x total body weight (kg) = Infusion rate (mL/min) adenosine injection concentration (3 mg/mL) Recommended dose is 0.14 mg/kg/min infused over six minutes as a continuous peripheral intravenous infusion (total dose of 0.84 mg/kg) ( 2 )

Indications And Usage

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 a pharmacologic stress agent, is indicated as an adjunct to thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in patients unable to exercise adequately ( 1 )

Overdosage

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 [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] .

Adverse Reactions Table

Adverse Reactions Adenosine N=1,421
Flushing 44%
Chest discomfort 40%
Dyspnea 28%
Headache 18%
Throat, neck or jaw discomfort 15%
Gastrointestinal discomfort 13%
Lightheadedness/dizziness 12%
Upper extremity discomfort 4%
ST segment depression 3%
First-degree AV block 3%
Second-degree AV block 3%
Paresthesia 2%
Hypotension 2%
Nervousness 2%
Arrhythmias 1%

Drug Interactions

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 ) 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. 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 )] .

Clinical Pharmacology

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 A 1 and A 2 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 A 2 receptors in smooth muscle cells. Adenosine may also lessen vascular tone by modulating sympathetic neurotransmission. The intracellular uptake of adenosine is mediated by a 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., a 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 Effects Adenosine produces a direct negative chronotropic, dromotropic and inotropic effect on the heart, presumably due to A 1 -receptor agonism, and produces peripheral vasodilation, presumably due to A 2 -receptor agonism. The net effect of adenosine in humans is typically a mild to moderate reduction in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure associated with a reflex increase in heart rate. Rarely, significant hypotension and tachycardia have been observed [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Distribution Intravenously administered adenosine distributes from the circulation via cellular uptake, primarily by erythrocytes and vascular endothelial cells. This process involves a specific transmembrane nucleoside carrier system that is reversible, nonconcentrative, and bidirectionally symmetrical. Metabolism Intracellular 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 a lower K m and V max than adenosine deaminase, deamination plays a 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. Elimination While extracellular adenosine is primarily cleared from plasma by cellular uptake with a 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 Impairment As adenosine does not require renal function for its activation or inactivation, renal impairment would not be expected to alter its effectiveness or tolerability. Hepatic Impairment As adenosine does not require hepatic function for its activation or inactivation, hepatic impairment would not be expected to alter its effectiveness or tolerability.

Mechanism Of Action

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 A 1 and A 2 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 A 2 receptors in smooth muscle cells. Adenosine may also lessen vascular tone by modulating sympathetic neurotransmission. The intracellular uptake of adenosine is mediated by a 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., a greater difference is seen after adenosine between areas served by normal and areas served by stenotic vessels than is seen prior to adenosine.

Pharmacodynamics

12.2 Pharmacodynamics Hemodynamic Effects Adenosine produces a direct negative chronotropic, dromotropic and inotropic effect on the heart, presumably due to A 1 -receptor agonism, and produces peripheral vasodilation, presumably due to A 2 -receptor agonism. The net effect of adenosine in humans is typically a mild to moderate reduction in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure associated with a reflex increase in heart rate. Rarely, significant hypotension and tachycardia have been observed [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] .

Pharmacokinetics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics Distribution Intravenously administered adenosine distributes from the circulation via cellular uptake, primarily by erythrocytes and vascular endothelial cells. This process involves a specific transmembrane nucleoside carrier system that is reversible, nonconcentrative, and bidirectionally symmetrical. Metabolism Intracellular 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 a lower K m and V max than adenosine deaminase, deamination plays a 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. Elimination While extracellular adenosine is primarily cleared from plasma by cellular uptake with a 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 Impairment As adenosine does not require renal function for its activation or inactivation, renal impairment would not be expected to alter its effectiveness or tolerability. Hepatic Impairment As adenosine does not require hepatic function for its activation or inactivation, hepatic impairment would not be expected to alter its effectiveness or tolerability.

Effective Time

20230302

Version

3

Dosage And Administration Table

Patient Weight (kilograms) Infusion Rate (mL per minute over 6 minutes for total dose of 0.84 mg/kg)
45 2.1
50 2.3
55 2.6
60 2.8
65 3
70 3.3
75 3.5
80 3.8
85 4
90 4.2

Dosage Forms And Strengths

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

Spl Product Data Elements

Adenosine ADENOSINE ADENOSINE ADENOSINE SODIUM CHLORIDE Water

Carcinogenesis And Mutagenesis And Impairment Of Fertility

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate adenosine’s 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 a variety of chromosomal alterations.

Nonclinical Toxicology

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate adenosine’s 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 a variety of chromosomal alterations.

Application Number

ANDA077897

Brand Name

Adenosine

Generic Name

ADENOSINE

Product Ndc

63323-651

Product Type

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Route

INTRAVENOUS

Package Label Principal Display Panel

PACKAGE LABEL – PRINCIPAL DISPLAY – Adenosine 20 mL Single Dose Vial Label NDC 63323-651-20 605120 Adenosine Injection, USP 60 mg per 20 mL (3 mg per mL) FOR INTRAVENOUS INFUSION ONLY 20 mL Single Dose Vial Rx only PACKAGE LABEL – PRINCIPAL DISPLAY – Adenosine 20 mL Single Dose Vial Label

Recent Major Changes

Warnings and Precautions: Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Myocardial Infarction ( 5.1 ) 10/2013 Warnings and Precautions: Cerebrovascular Accidents ( 5.5 ) 8/2014 Warnings and Precautions: Seizures ( 5.6 ) 8/2014 Warnings and Precautions: Hypersensitivity ( 5.7 ) 8/2014

Information For Patients

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 a 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 a history of seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ), and Overdosage ( 10 )] . Lake Zurich, IL 60047 www.fresenius-kabi.com/us 451067C Revised: March 2018 logo

Clinical Studies

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 a dose of intravenous adenosine 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.

Geriatric Use

8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies with adenosine 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.

Nursing Mothers

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.

Pediatric Use

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

Pregnancy

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.

Use In Specific Populations

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 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

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Adenosine injection, USP is supplied as 20 mL and 30 mL vials of sterile, nonpyrogenic, preservative-free solution in normal saline. Product No. NDC No. Strength Size 605120 63323-651-20 60 mg per 20 mL (3 mg per mL) 20 mL single dose vial, packaged individually. 605130 63323-651-30 90 mg per 30 mL (3 mg per mL) 30 mL single dose vial, packaged individually. 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [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. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

How Supplied Table

Product No. NDC No. Strength Size
605120 63323-651-20 60 mg per 20 mL (3 mg per mL) 20 mL single dose vial, packaged individually.
605130 63323-651-30 90 mg per 30 mL (3 mg per mL) 30 mL single dose vial, packaged individually.

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