Glucagon

Question 1

Glucagon Trade Name

Answer 1

(Glucagen)

Question 2

Glucagon Classification

Answer 2

Glucose-Elevating Agents; Hypoglycemia Antidotes

Capital:
Pancreatic hormone

Question 3

Glucagon Mechanism

Answer 3

Medscape:
Insulin antagonist. Stimulates cAMP synthesis to accelerate hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, causing an increase in blood glucose levels. Preexisting hepatic glycogen stores necessary to be effective in treating hypoglycemia. Glucagon also relaxes smooth muscles of GI tract

Capital:
Causes breakdown glycogen stored in liver and skeletal muscles into glucose to increase blood glucose levels; small positive inotropic and chronotropic action on the heart; Decreases renal vascular resistance; smooth muscle relaxation

Question 4

Glucagon Onset of Action

Answer 4

Capital: 1 minute

Question 5

Glucagon Duration of Action

Answer 5

Capital: 60-90 minutes

Question 6

Glucagon Indications

Answer 6

Capital:
Hypoglycemia where IV access cannot be obtained, Beta-blocker overdose, Calcium channel blocker overdose, Esophageal obstruction

CT Protocols:
Converts glycogen to glucose in the liver to increase blood sugar.
Use in patients with no IV/IO access
Indicated for beta blocker or calcium channel blocker overdose

Question 7

Glucagon Contraindications

Answer 7

Capital:
Hypersensitivity, Hyperglycemia

Question 8

Glucagon Side Effects/ Precautions/ Comments

Answer 8

Capital:
Dizziness, Headache, Tachycardia, Hypertension, Nausea/vomiting
Ineffective if glycogen stores are depleted (hepatic failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc.)

Question 9

Glucagon Adult Dose

Answer 9

CT Protocols:
Hypoglycemia
1 mg IM.
Recheck glucose 15 minutes after administration of glucagon.
May repeat glucagon 1mg IM if glucose level is <60 mg/dL with continued altered mental status.

Bradycardia
5 mg IV/IO over 3 – 5 minutes.

Capital:
Hypoglycemia: 0.5-1.0 mg IM, repeat in 5-10 minutes
Beta-blocker, calcium channel blocker toxicity: 3-10 mg IV/IO push followed by 3-5 mg/hr infusion

Question 10

Glucagon Pediatric Dose

Answer 10

Capital:
Hypoglycemia: 0.03-0.1 mg/kg IM, maximum 1 mg
Beta-blocker, calcium channel blocker toxicity: 0.05-0.15 mg/kg IV/IO push followed by 0.05-0.10 mg/kg/hr infusion

Question 11

Glucagon
Max Dose Adult (Pediatric)

Answer 11

??

Question 12

Glucagon Routes of Administration

Answer 12

IM, IV/IO

Question 13

Glucagon How Supplied

Answer 13

1 mg powder with diluent included for reconstitution