Adenocor Injection 3mg/Ml
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Adenocor 3mg/ml Solution for injection
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each vial contains 6mg of adenosine per 2ml (3mg/ml).
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Solution for injection Clear, colourless solution
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Rapid conversion to a normal sinus rhythm of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, including those associated with accessory by-pass tracts (Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome).
Paediatric population
Rapid conversion to a normal sinus rhythm of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in children aged 0 to 18 years.
Diagnostic Indications
Aid to diagnosis of broad or narrow complex supraventricular tachycardias. Although Adenocor will not convert atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm, the slowing of AV conduction helps diagnosis of atrial activity.
Sensitisation of intra-cavitary electrophysiological investigations.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Adenocor is intended for hospital use only with monitoring and cardiorespiratory resuscitation equipment available for immediate use.
Method of administration
It should be administered by rapid IV bolus injection according to the ascending dosage schedule below. To be certain the solution reaches the systemic circulation administer either directly into a vein or into an IV line. If given into an IV line it should be injected as proximally as possible, and followed by a rapid saline flush.
Adenocor should only be used when facilities exist for cardiac monitoring. Patients who develop high-level AV block at a particular dose should not be given further dosage increments.
Posology
Adult:
Initial dose: Second dose:
Third dose:
3mg given as a rapid intravenous bolus (over 2 seconds).
If the first dose does not result in elimination of the supraventricular tachycardia within 1 to 2 minutes, 6mg should be given also as a rapid intravenous bolus.
If the second dose does not result in elimination of the supraventricular tachycardia within 1 to 2 minutes. 12mg should be given also as a rapid intravenous bolus.
Additional or higher doses are not recommended.
Paediatric population
During administration of adenosine cardio-respiratory resuscitation equipment must be available for immediate use if necessary.
Adenosine is intended for use with continuous monitoring and ECG recording during administration.
The dosing recommended for the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in the paediatric population is:
- first bolus of 0.1 mg/kg body weight (maximum dose of 6mg)
- increments of 0.1 mg/kg body weight as needed to achieve termination of supraventricular tachycardia (maximum dose of 12mg).
Method of administration
Adenosine should be administered by rapid intravenous (IV) bolus injection into a vein or into an IV line. If given into an IV line it should be injected through as proximally as possible, and followed by a rapid saline flush. If administered through a peripheral vein, a large bore cannula should be used.
Elderly
See dosage recommendations for adults.
Diagnostic dose
The above ascending dosage schedule should be employed until sufficient diagnostic information has been obtained.
Method of administration: Rapid intravenous injection only.
4.3. Contraindications
Adenocor is contraindicated for patients presenting:
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
• Sick sinus syndrome, second or third degree Atrio-Ventricular (AV) block (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker).
• Chronic obstructive lung disease with evidence of bronchospasm (e.g. asthma bronchiale)
• Long QT syndrome
• Severe hypotension
• Decompensated states of heart failure
4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use
Special warnings: Due to the possibility of transient cardiac arrhythmias arising during conversion of the supraventricular tachycardia to normal sinus rhythm, administration should be carried out in a hospital setting with monitoring and cardio-respiratory resuscitation equipment available for immediate use if necessary. During administration, continuous ECG monitoring is necessary as life-threatening arrhythmia might occur. (section 4.2).
Because it has the potential to cause significant hypotension, adenosine should be used with caution in patients with left main coronary stenosis, uncorrected hypovolemia, stenotic valvular heart disease, left to right shunt, pericarditis or pericardial effusion, autonomic dysfunction or stenotic carotid artery disease with cerebrovascular insufficiency.
Adenosine should be used with caution in patients with recent myocardial infarction, severe heart failure, or in patients with minor conduction defects (first degree A-V block, bundle branch block) that could be transiently aggravated during infusion.
Adenosine should be used with caution in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter and especially in those with an accessory by-pass tract since particularly the latter may develop increased conduction down the anomalous pathway.
Rare cases of severe bradycardia have been reported. Some occurred in early post heart transplant patients; in the other cases, occult sino-atrial disease was present. The occurrence of severe bradycardia should be taken as a warning of underlying disease and could potentially favour the occurrence of torsades de pointes, especially in patients with prolonged QT intervals.
In patients with recent heart transplantation (less than 1 year) an increased sensitivity of the heart to adenosine has been observed.
Since neither the kidney nor the liver are involved in the degradation of exogenous adenosine, Adenocor’s efficacy should be unaffected by hepatic or renal insufficiency.
As dipyridamole is a known inhibitor of adenosine uptake, it may potentiate the action of Adenocor. It is therefore suggested that Adenocor should not be administered to patients receiving dipyridamole; if use of Adenocor is essential, dipyridamole should be stopped 24 hours before hand, or the dose of Adenocor should be greatly reduced. (see Section 4.5 Interactions with other Medicaments and other forms of Interaction).
Precautions:
The occurrence of angina, severe bradycardia, severe hypotension, respiratory failure (potentially fatal), or asystole/cardiac arrest (potentially fatal), should lead to immediate discontinuation of administration.
Adenosine may trigger convulsions in patients who are susceptible to convulsions. In patients with history of convulsions/seizures, the administration of adenosine should be carefully monitored.
Because of the possible risk of torsades de pointes, Adenocor should be used with caution in patients with a prolonged QT interval, whether this is drug induced or of metabolic origin. Adenocor is contraindicated in patients with Long QT syndrome (see section 4.3).
Adenosine may precipitate or aggravate bronchospasm (see sections 4.3 and 4.8).
Adenosine contains 9 mg sodium chloride per ml. (corresponding to 3.54 mg sodium per ml). To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.
Paediatric population
Adenosine may trigger atrial arrhythmias and thus might lead to ventricular acceleration in children with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. Also see section 5.1.
The efficacy of intraosseus administration has not been established.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Dipyridamole inhibits adenosine cellular uptake and metabolism, and potentiates the action of adenosine. In one study dipyridamole was shown to produce a 4 fold increase in adenosine actions. Asystole has been reported following concomitant administration.
It is therefore suggested that Adenocor should not be administered to patients receiving dipyridamole; if use of Adenocor is essential, dipyridamole should be stopped 24 hours before hand, or the dose of Adenocor should be greatly reduced. See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use.
Aminophylline, theophylline and other xanthines are competitive adenosine antagonists and should be avoided for 24 hours prior to use of adenosine.
Food and drinks containing xanthines (tea, coffee, chocolate and cola) should be avoided for at least 12 hours prior to use of adenosine.
Adenocor may interact with drugs tending to impair cardiac conduction.
4.6. Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There are no or limited amount of data from the use of adenosine in pregnant women. Animal studies are insufficient with respect to reproductive toxicity. Adenosine is not recommended during pregnancy unless the physician considers the benefits to outweigh the potential risks.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether adenosine metabolites are excreted in human milk.
Adenocor should not be used during breast-feeding.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Not applicable.
4.8 Undesirable Effects
Adverse events are ranked under the heading of the frequency:
Very common (>1/10), Common (>1/100, <1/10), Uncommon (>1/1000, <1/100), Rare (>1/10000, <1/1000), Very rare (<1/10000), Not known (cannot be estimated from available data).
These side effects are generally mild, of short duration (usually less than 1 minute) and well tolerated by the patient. However severe reactions can occur.
Methylxanthines, such as IV aminophylline or theophylline have been used to terminate persistent side effects (50-125 mg by slow intravenous injection).
Frequency Applicable to Adenosine 6mg/2ml
Cardiac Disorders
|
Very common |
- Bradycardia - Sinus pause, skipped beats - Atrial extrasystoles - Atrio-Ventricular block - Ventricular excitability disorders such as ventricular extrasystoles, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia |
|
Uncommon |
- Sinus tachycardia -Palpitations |
|
Very rare |
- Atrial fibrillation - Severe bradycardia not corrected by atropine and possibly requiring temporary pacing - Ventricular excitability disorders Including ventricular fibrillation and torsade de pointes (see section 4.4) |
|
Not known |
- Hypotension sometimes severe - asystole /Cardiac arrest, sometimes fatal especially in patients with underlying ischemic heart disease /cardiac disorder (see section 4.4) |
Nervous System disorders
|
Common |
- Headache - Dizziness, light-headedness |
|
Uncommon |
Head pressure |
|
Very rare |
-Transient and spontaneously rapidly reversible worsening of intracranial hypertension |
|
Not known |
- Loss of consciousness / syncope - Convulsions, especially in predisposed patients (see section 4.4) |
Eye disorders
|
Uncommon |
- Blurred vision |
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
|
Very common |
- Dyspnea (or the urge to take a deep breath) |
|
Uncommon |
- Hyperventilation |
|
Very rare |
- Bronchospasm (see section 4.4) |
|
Not known |
- Respiratory failure (see section 4.4) |
|
Frequency |
Applicable to Adenosine 6mg/2ml |
|
- Apnea / Respiratory arrest, | |
|
Cases of Respiratory failure, bronchospasm, apnea, and respiratory arrest with fatal outcome have been reported. | |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders | |
|
Common |
- Nausea |
|
Uncommon |
- Metallic taste |
|
Not known |
- Vomiting |
|
Vascular disorders | |
|
Very common |
- Flushing |
|
General disorders and Administration Site conditions | |
|
Very common |
-Chest pressure/pain, feeling of thoracic constriction/oppression |
|
Common |
Burning sensation |
|
Uncommon |
- Sweating - Feeling of general discomfort / weakness / pain |
|
Very rare |
- Injection site reactions |
|
Psychiatric disorders | |
|
Common |
- Apprehension |
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9 Overdose
Overdosage would cause severe hypotension, bradycardia or asystole.. The half life of adenosine in blood is very short, and side effects (when they occur) would quickly resolve. Administration of IV aminophylline or theophylline may be needed. Pharmacokinetic evaluation indicates that methyl xanthines are competitive antagonists to adenosine, and that therapeutic concentrations of theophylline block its exogenous effects.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other Cardiac Preparations: ATC Code: C01EB 10
Endogenous nucleoside with peripheral vasodilator/antiarrhythmic effect Antiarrhythmic drug.
Adenosine is a purine nucleoside which is present in all cells of the body. Animal pharmacology studies have in several species shown that Adenosine has a negative dromotropic effect on the atrioventricular (AV) node.
In man Adenocor (Adenosine) administered by rapid intravenous injection slows conduction through the AV node. This action can interrupt re-entry circuits involving the AV node and restore normal sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias. Once the circuit has been interrupted, the tachycardia stops and normal sinus rhythm is re-established.
One acute interruption of the circuit is usually sufficient to arrest the tachycardia.
Since atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter do not involve the AV node as part of a re-entry circuit, Adenosine will not terminate these arrhythmias.
By transiently slowing AV conduction, atrial activity is easier to evaluate from ECG recordings and therefore the use of Adenosine can aid the diagnosis of broad or narrow complex tachycardias.
Adenosine may be useful during electrophysiological studies to determine the site of AV block or to determine in some cases of pre-excitation, whether conduction is occurring by an accessory pathway or via the AV node.
Paediatric population
No controlled studies have been conducted in paediatric patients with adenosine for the conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). However, the safety and efficacy of adenosine in children aged 0 to 18 years with PSVT is considered established based on extensive clinical use and literature data (open label studies, case reports, clinical guidelines).
Literature review identified 14 studies where IV adenosine was used for acute termination of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in around a total of 450 paediatric patients aged 6 hours to 18 years. Studies were heterogenic in terms of age, and dosing schedules. SVT was terminated in 72 to 100% of cases in most of the published studies. Dosages used varied from 37.5 mcg/kg to 400 mcg/kg. Several studies discussed a lack of response to starting doses less than 100mcg/kg.
Depending on the child’s clinical history, symptoms and ECG diagnosis, adenosine has been used in clinical practice under expert supervision in children with stable wide-QRS complex tachycardia and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome however the currently available data does not support a paediatric indication. In total 6 cases of adenosine-induced arrhythmias (3 atrial fibrillation, 2 atrial flutter, 1 ventricular fibrillation) have been described in 6 children aged 0 to 16 years with manifest or concealed WPW syndrome, of which 3 spontaneously recovered and 3 needed amiodarone +/-cardioversion (see also section 4.4).
Adenosine has been used as an aid to diagnosis of broad or narrow complex supraventricular tachycardias in same doses as for treatment of supraventricular tachycardia. Although adenosine will not convert atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm, the slowing of AV conduction helps diagnosis of atrial activity. However, the currently available data does not support a paediatric indication for the use of adenosine for diagnostic purposes.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Adenosine is impossible to study via classical ADME protocols. It is present in various forms in all cells of the body where it plays an important role in energy production and utilisation systems. An efficient salvage and recycling system exists in the body, primarily in the erythrocytes and blood vessel endothelial cells. The half life in vitro is estimated to be <10 seconds. The in vivo half life may be even shorter.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
There are no pre-clinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the SPC.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Sodium Chloride Water for Injections
Incompatibilities
6.2
Compatibility with other medicines is not known.
6.3. Shelf life
3 years
Any portion of the vial not used at once should be discarded.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not refrigerate.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Clear, type I glass vials with chlorobutyl rubber closures secured with aluminium caps.
Packs of 6 vials in plastic trays in cardboard cartons.
6.6. Special precautions for disposal
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Aventis Pharma Limited
One Onslow Street
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 4YS
UK
or Trading as Sanofi-aventis or Sanofi Winthrop or Sanofi
One Onslow Street
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 4YS
UK
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 04425/0159
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
12th March 1997
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
14/11/2013