Glucagon

Question 1

Glucagon presentation

Answer 1

injection. 1mg of powder in a vial for reconstitution with water

Question 2

Glucagon indications

Answer 2

Hypoglycaemia - clinically suspected or the patient is unconscious and hypoglycaemia is a likely cause (BG less than 4mmol/L)

Only administered when oral glucose or IV glucose 10% is not possible

Question 3

Glucagon Actions

Answer 3

A hormone that induces the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver, raising blood glucose levels

Question 4

Glucagon contraindications

Answer 4

Pheochromocytoma
should not be given IV

Question 5

Glucagon cautions

Answer 5

low glycogen stores
for hypoglycaemic seizures glucose 10% IV is the preferred intervention

Question 6

Glucagon side effects

Answer 6

nausea and vomiting
abdo pain in adults
diarrhoea in children
hypokalaemia
Hypotension in adults
acute hypersensitivity reaction

Question 7

Glucagon addition info

Answer 7

make sure it hasnt already been administered

check effectiveness after 10-15 mins

can be ineffective in children, elderly, undernourished patients or those with hepatic disease

if the patient is unconscious use glucose 40% gel first

glucagon may be ineffective in alcohol induced hypoglycaemia

Question 8

Glucagon route

Answer 8

IM - anterolateral aspect of thigh

Question 9

Glucagon dose 8-12+

Answer 9

1mg

Question 10

Glucagon dose <8 yrs

Answer 10

500mcg