Glucagon

Question 1

Glucagon
Drug Class

Answer 1

Hyperglycaemic – Mobilises liver glycogen stores which are released into the blood as glucose

Question 2

** Glucagon**
Onset

Answer 2

IM- 4-7 mins

Question 3

** Glucagon**
Duration

Answer 3

10-40 mins

Question 4

** Glucagon**
Indications

Answer 4

• Symptomatic hypoglycaemia with inability to self-administer oral glucose and IV access cannot be obtained in a safe and timely manner
• Altered conscious state in a known diabetic or of otherwise unknown cause where blood glucose level is below 4mmol/L

Question 5

** Glucagon**
Contraindications

Answer 5

• Hypersensitivity to Glucagon
• Known pheochromocytoma
• Insulinoma
• Glucagonoma

Question 6

** Glucagon **
Dose

Answer 6

**Adult **
* IM - 1 mg (1 mL)
* can be repeated after 10 mins if no IV access and clinically indicated.

Paediatric > 25kg
* IM - 1 mg (1 mL)
Single dose only

Paediatric< 25kg
* IM - 0.5mg (0.5 mL)
Single dose only

Question 7

** Glucagon**
Side Effects

Answer 7

• Nausea/vomiting
• Gastric pain
• Transient rise of blood pressure for patients taking beta blockers