Glucagon

Question 1

Glucagon Class

Answer 1

Hormone and Anti-hypoglycaemic

Question 2

Glucagon Description

Answer 2

Glucagon is a protein secreted by the alpha cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
It is used to increase the blood glucose level in cases of hypoglycaemia in which an IV cannot by immediately be placed

Question 3

Glucagon Presentation

Answer 3

1mg vial powder for reconstitution (1ml)

Question 4

Glucagon Administration

Answer 4

Intramuscular (IM)

Question 5

Glucagon Indications

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Glucagon Contraindications

Answer 6

<1 year
KSAR
Phaeochromocytoma

Question 7

Glucagon Dosage

Answer 7

Adult: 1mg IM

Paed: ≤ 8yrs - 0.5mg IM
> 8yrs - 1mg IM

Question 8

Glucagon Pharmacology

Answer 8

Glycogenolysis.

Increases plasma glucose by mobilising glycogen stored in the liver

Question 9

Glucagon Side Effects

Answer 9

Rare: may cause 
Hypotension,
Dizziness, 
Headache, 
Nausea and Vomiting

Question 10

Glucagon Additional Info

Answer 10

May be ineffective in patients with low stored glycogen e.g. prior use in previous 24 hours, alcoholic patients with liver disease.
Protect from light
Hypoglycaemic paediatrics 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)