Glucagon

Question 1

Glucagon Class

Answer 1

Hormone and Anti-hypoglycaemic

Question 2

Glucagon Presentation

Answer 2

1mg vial powder for reconstitution (1ml)

Question 3

Glucagon Administration

Answer 3

Intramuscular (IM)

Question 4

Glucagon Indications

Answer 4

Hypoglycaemia in patients unable to take oral glucose or unable to gain IV access with a blood glucose level <4mmol/L

Question 5

Glucagon Contraindications

Answer 5

<1 month
KSAR
Phaeochromocytoma

Question 6

Glucagon Dosage

Answer 6

Adult: 1mg IM

Paed: 1 month & < 25kg: - 500mcg IM
1 month & > 25Kg: - 1mg IM

Question 7

Glucagon Side Effects

Answer 7

Common: Nausea
Uncommon: Vomiting
Rare: Hypotension, Dizziness, Headache

Question 8

Glucagon Additional Info

Answer 8

May be ineffective in patients with low stored glycogen e.g. prior use in previous 24 hours, alcoholic patients with liver disease. Store in refrigerator. Stable at room temperature for 18 months, use immediately once constituted.
Protect from light
Hypoglycaemic paediatric patients who are not diagnosed as diabetic should not be given Glucagon. (This does not preclude the administration of Glucose Gel or Dextrose to treat Hypoglycaemia)