AliEM - By Stephen Rappaport - March 23rd, 2016
"TAKE HOME POINTS- CCBs by IV bolus or slow infusion are equally efficacious to adenosine in hemodynamically stable patients with SVT.
- CAUTION with CCBs: CCBs were excluded from the above studies if there was evidence of shock, hypotension, and heart failure. CCBs should be avoided in these cases.
- Adenosine is associated with minor adverse effects such as dyspnea, chest tightness, dizziness, headache, facial flushing, nausea, “feeling funny”, “electric shock” sensation, and “bad feeling”.
- Hypotension is more likely with CCBs but has low absolute rates in hemodynamically stable patients.
- CCBs have a slightly longer time to conversion.
- As always when deciding about medication choices, if possible and where appropriate, discuss the pros/cons with the patient."