Glucagon Flashcards
Actions (3)
- Elevates blood glucose by converting liver glycogen into glucose
- Positive inotropic and chronotropic effect on the heart
- relaxes smooth muscle
Drug classification
Hyperglycemic agent (pancreatic hormone that RAISES blood sugar)
Indication (2)
- Altered level of consciousness when hypoglycemia is suspected and an IV cannot be established
- Adjuvant treatment of toxic effects of calcium channel blocker or beta blocker overdose
Contraindication
None
Adverse effects - cardiovascular (2)
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Adverse effects - neurological
Dizziness
Adverse effects - gastrointestinal
Nausea/vomiting
Administration- hypoglycemia
1mg IM.
May repeat every 20 minutes x 2
Administration - overdose
3mg IVP
Pediatrics
1mg IM if known diabetic,
May repeat every 20 minutes x 2
Onset
5-20 min
Duration
15-30 min
Precaution
In emergencies, D50W is the drug of choice
Rationale
Use glucagon only if you cannot start an IV
Precaution
Be prepared to protect airway in unconscious patients
Rationale
May result in aspiration if vomiting occurs
Precaution
Place patient in recovery position
Rationale
May result in aspiration if vomiting occurs
Precaution
Observe for changes in LOC
Rationale
Only effective if liver glycogen is available.
May be ineffective in chronic hypoglycemia starvation or renal or hepatic insufficiency
Precaution
Mix glucagon powder only with diluent that is supplied
Rationale
Precipitate will form of mixed with normal saline
Precaution
Monitor vital signs
Rationale
May cause hypertension
Note
Glucagon can be used as an adjuvant treatment for the toxic effects of calcium channel blockers or beta blocker overdoses
Glucagon may be of benefit for foreign body obstructions in the esophagus
How supplied
1 mg powder for injection vial with 1 mL diluent
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