Glucagon

Question 1

Glucagon Class?

Answer 1

Pancreatic hormone

Question 2

Glucagon Action?

Answer 2

Stimulates the liver to breakdown glycogen into glucose resulting in an increase in blood sugar.

Question 3

Glucagon Indications?

Answer 3

Hypoglycemia (when IV access is not available), beta blocker overdose, calcium channel blocker overdose, esophageal obstruction

Question 4

Glucagon Contraindications?

Answer 4

Hypersensitivity (usually to proteins)

Question 5

Glucagon Onset/Duration?

Answer 5

Onset: 10-20 min IM, 1 min if IV
Duration: 60-90 min

Question 6

Glucagon Dose/Route?

Answer 6

Adult: Hypoglycemia – 1 mg IM/IN may repeat in 10 min if protocol allows. Calcium channel or beta blocker overdose – 3-10 mg IV over 3-5 min followed by an infusion at 3-5 mg/hr.

Peds: < 20 kg – 0.5 mg IM/IN, > 20 kg - 1.0 mg IM/IN

Question 7

Glucagon Side Effects?

Answer 7

Tachycardia, hypotension, nausea/vomiting, urticaria

Question 8

Glucagon Notes*

Answer 8

Glucagon requires glycogen stores in the liver to increase blood glucose. If patient is malnourished glucagon may not work.