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Overview: Adenosine is a chemical that is naturally found in your body. It is also available over the counter as a dietary supplement, often as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). These supplements are used to boost energy levels and improve physical performance, but their benefits are not well defined. Before taking adenosine or ATP, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are using.

Uses

What is adenosine used for?

Adenosine dietary supplements are used to increase energy levels, improve physical performance, and reduce pain. However, the benefits of adenosine dietary supplements for any use are not well defined.

Note: Adenosine is available by prescription in injectable forms that are given by a health care provider. It is also available as a dietary supplement. The FDA has not reviewed adenosine dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does adenosine work (mechanism of action)?

Adenosine is a chemical that is naturally found in every cell in your body. It has many important functions, such as carrying signals between your cells, relaxing your blood vessels, and managing your sleep-wake cycle. A certain form of adenosine, called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is one of your body’s main sources of energy.

Since ATP is an important source of energy, ATP supplements have become a popular option for increasing energy levels and improving physical performance during exercise. But it is not clear whether taking ATP by mouth can increase ATP levels in your muscles. The benefits of using ATP supplements to increase energy levels or physical performance are not well defined.

Some ATP supplements may also be marketed to help with certain forms of pain. However, there is not enough research to know whether or how ATP may work for pain management.

How is adenosine supplied (dosage forms)?

Adenosine is available as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms. It is also available as a prescription in injectable forms that are given by a health care provider.

How should I store adenosine?

You should store adenosine dietary supplements according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that’s away from sunlight and out of the reach of children and pets.

Prescription injectable adenosine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of adenosine?

Adenosine dietary supplements seem to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what their common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of adenosine supplements that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of adenosine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of adenosine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Adenosine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using adenosine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use adenosine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use adenosine.

  • Adenosine
  • Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
  • Adenosine triphosphate disodium
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific adenosine products they stock.

What should I know about adenosine before using it?

Adenosine is available as a dietary supplement in different forms, including adenosine, ATP disodium, or adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It is not clear if any of these forms of adenosine work differently in the body. These products cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep adenosine out of the reach of children.

The FDA has not tested adenosine dietary supplements to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using adenosine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if adenosine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Asthma
  • Heart problems
  • Low blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Sleep problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Adenosine dietary supplements may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking an adenosine supplement, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how adenosine dietary supplements could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if adenosine dietary supplements pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does adenosine interact with foods or drinks?

Adenosine can reduce the effects of caffeine, and vice versa. Caffeine is often found in coffee, tea, sodas, and many different supplements. Taking caffeine along with adenosine dietary supplements may reduce the effects of both caffeine and adenosine.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect adenosine.

Does adenosine interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss whether you are using any of the following before taking adenosine dietary supplements.

  • Any product that contains caffeine, which is often found in medicines for reducing water weight (diuretics), staying awake, easing headaches, and managing hangovers
  • Dipyridamole/aspirin, which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
  • Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problems

The interactions between adenosine dietary supplements and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with adenosine is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking adenosine with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much adenosine?

If you or someone else has used too much adenosine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Adenosine dietary supplements are available in many different doses and forms. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take adenosine safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.