Glucagon

Question 1

What is glucagon?

Answer 1

Glucagon (1 mg powder & solvent) is a hyperglycaemic agent that metabolises hepatic glycogen, which is released into the blood as glucose

Glucagon is metabolised by the liver, kidneys & plasma

Question 2

What is the onset, duration & half-life of glucagon?

Answer 2

Onset 4-7 min
Duration variable
Half-life 3-6 min

Question 3

Indications for glucagon?

Answer 3

1. Symptomatic hypoglycaemia (with the inability to self-administer glucose)
2. Refractory anaphylaxis with persistent hypotension/shock (unresponsive to 3x IM adrenaline injections & adequate fluid challenge)

Question 4

Contraindications for glucagon?

Answer 4

1. Allergy / ADR

Question 5

What is the dose for glucagon in an adult?

Answer 5

1g IM
Single dose only

Prepare by reconstituting 1mg with 1mL of water for injection into a 3 mL syringe

Question 6

What is the dose of glucagon for a paediatric?

Answer 6

<25 kg (under 6 yrs) - 0.5 mg IM
Single dose only

> 25 kg (over 6 yrs) - 1 mg IM
Single dose only