Glucagon Flashcards
class
pancreatic hormone, polypeptide, hyperglycemic agent
mechanism of action
Pharmacologic: Acts only on liver glycogen, converting it to glucose. Counteracts the
effect of insulin. Relaxes GI smooth muscle causing dilation and decreased motility.
Cardiac inotrope.
Clinical effects: May reverse hypoglycemia (if patient has glycogen stored in liver)
within 4-8 minutes (could be as long as 15 or more).
indications and field use
Symptomatic hypoglycemia when IV access is delayed.
Beta blocker poisoning
contraindications
Known hypersensitivity
Pheochromocytoma
Insulinoma
Should not be routinely used to replace dextrose when IV access has been obtained
adverse reactions
Rare side effects
Nausea and vomiting
Generalized allergic reactions including urticaria, respiratory distress and hypotension
(made from beef/pork pancreas)
Palpitations, hypertension, tachycardia
incompatibilities/drug reactions
unknown
adult dose (children and adults greater than 20 kg or 44 lbs)
Hypoglycemia: 1 mg IM, may repeat in 7-10 minutes
peds dose ( for children under 20 kg or 44 lbs)
hypoglycemia: 0.5 mg IM or a dose equivalent to 20-30 micrograms/kg, may repeat in 7-10 minutes
routes of administration
Hypoglycemia: IM or SC administration avoids possibility of inducing encephalopathy
in a thiamine-deficient patient
onset of action
1 mg IM, 8-10 minutes
IV, 1 minute
peak effects
1 mg IM, 12-14 minutes
IV, 3-6 minutes
duration of action
1 mg IM, 12-27 minutes
IV, 20 minutes
AZ drug box minimum
2 mg
special notes
Blood sugar should be measured rapidly before deciding upon the administration of D50
or glucagon, especially in the non-diabetic patient.
Documented hypoglycemia is a true medical emergency, IM glucagon should be
administered rapidly if IV access is delayed.
In known alcoholics, administer thiamine in addition to glucagon to prevent inducing an
encephalopathy in a thiamine-deficient patient.
Patients with Type I diabetes do not have as great a response in blood glucose levels as
Type II stable patients. For all patients having hypoglycemic episode, supplementary
complex carbohydrates should be eaten within 2 hour, especially in a child or adolescent.