Ingredient Database

ToxicFree Foundation / Ingredient Database / Adenosine
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    What is it?

    Adenosine is a chemical that is present in all human cells. It readily combines with phosphate to form various chemical compounds including adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). People use it for medicine.

    Adenosine phosphate is given by injection into the muscle (intramuscularly) for treating varicose veins, bursitis, pain and swollen tendons (tendonitis), itchiness, multiple sclerosis (MS), neuropathy, shingles (herpes zoster infection), cold sores and genital herpes (herpes simplex infections), and poor blood circulation. Adenosine blocks faulty circuitry in the heart, which causes irregular heart rhythm. 

    More Information

    Effective for:

    Treating certain kinds of irregular heartbeat (as a prescription-only intravenous medicine).

    Possibly Effective for:

    Wounds, usually in the legs, due to poor circulation (venous stasis ulcers). Intramuscular AMP might relieve fluid retention, itchiness, swelling and redness due to venous stasis ulcers.

    Adenosine appears to be safe for most people when given by injection by qualified healthcare givers. It can cause breathing problems and chest pain, particularly when given at high doses. Headache, heart pounding, low blood pressure, nausea, sweating, flushing, lightheadedness, sleep problems, coughing, and anxiety can also occur.


    This ingredient is commonly used in: