Compounds of the class of adenosines, represented by structural formula I, wherein R is C1-4 alkoxy, and X is H or OH, are useful in a method of preventing, treating, or ameliorating various conditions or disorders, e.g., inflammation, which comprises administering a compound of formula I to a subject in need of such prevention, treatment, or amelioration, for example, at a dosage which gives rise to a peak plasma concentration in the subject that is less than the EC50 value of the compound at adenosine receptors at nH 7.4.