2-chloroadenosine is a non-metabolizable adenosine receptors agonist. 2-chloroadenosine not only acts as an anticonvulsant against electrically induced kindled seizures, and against audiogenic seizures, electroshock and a variety of chemical convulsants, it prevents the development of the epileptic state by kindling-stimulation, i.e., it is antiepileptogenic. 2-chloroadenosine readily produce gastric erosions and ulcers in the rat. 2-Chloroadenosine produces pancreatitis, unique in that the lesions are mainly segmental in type. 2-chloroadenosine is known to be hypotensive substance.

2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA), a P-site specific adenylate cyclase inhibitor, inhibited the growth of K562 cells and caused them to become benzidine positive. Adenine, a possible metabolite of DDA digestion by purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), also induced erythroid differentiation in K562 cells.