Glucagon

Question 1

Drug class

Answer 1

Hyperglycaemic

Question 2

Pharmacology

Answer 2

Hyperglycaemic agent the mobilises hepatic glycogen, which is released into the blood as glucose. Has inotropic & chronotropic effects that are not mediated through beta receptors.

Question 3

Metabolism

Answer 3

Metabolised by the liver, kidneys & in the plasma

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

• Symptomatic hypoglycaemia (with inability to self-admin oral glucose)
• Refractory anaphylaxis (unresponsive to 3x IM adrenaline & adequate fluid challenges)

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Allergy AND/OR adverse drug reaction

Question 6

Precautions

Answer 6

Nil

Question 7

Side effects

Answer 7

Nil

Question 8

Presentation

Answer 8

1mg, hypokit - powder & solvent

Question 9

Onset IM

Duration IM

Answer 9

4-7min

Variable

Question 10

Routes of administration

Answer 10

IM

IV

Question 11

Adult dosages

Answer 11

• Symptomatic hypoglycaemia (with inability to self-admin oral glucose)
▪︎IM - 1mg, single dose only
(Reconstitute 1mg with WFI in 3ml syringe = 1mg/1ml)

• Refractory anaphylaxis (unresponsive to 3x IM adrenaline & adequate fluid resus)
▪︎IM OR IV (when IV cannot be obtained)
1mg, single dose only
(Reconstitute 1mg with WFI in 3ml syringe = 1mg/1ml)

Question 12

Paediatric dosages

Answer 12

• Symptomatic hypoglycaemia (with inability to self-admin oral glucose)
IM
> 25kg - 1mg, single dose only
≤25kg - 0.5mg, single dose only
*≤25kg Reconstitute 1mg with 2ml WFI in 3ml syringe. Decant 1ml to = 0.5mg/1ml

• Refractory anaphylaxis (unresponsive to 3x IM adrenaline & adequate fluid resus)
IM OR IV (IM if IV cannot be obtained)
> 25kg - 1mg, single dose only
≤ 25kg - 0.5mg, single dose only
** ≤25kgs reconstitute 1mg with 2ml WFI in 3ml syringe. Decant 1ml to = 0.5mg/1ml