10 OVERDOSAGE
The half-life of adenosine is less than 10 seconds and adverse reactions of adenosine injection 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 injection 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)].