glucagon (GlucaGen)

Question 1

glucagon (GlucaGen)
Class

Answer 1

Hyperglycemic agent, pancreatic hormone, insulin antagonist

Question 2

glucagon (GlucaGen)
Pharmacology and action

Answer 2

Increases blood glucose level by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen
into glucose. Stabilizes cardiac rhythm in beta-blocker overdose. Minimal positive inotropic and
chronotropic responses. Decreases GI motility and secretions

Question 3

glucagon (GlucaGen)
Onset, duration, Peak effect

Answer 3

Onset: 1 minute Duration: 60-90 minutes Peak Effect: 5-20 minutes

Question 4

glucagon (GlucaGen)
Indications, Contradications

Answer 4

Indications
● Altered mental status when hypoglycemia is suspected
● Symptomatic bradycardia from beta blocker or calcium channel blocker OD
IV. Contraindications
● Pheochromocytoma
● Hyperglycemia
● Insulinoma

Question 5

glucagon (GlucaGen)
Adverse reactions and side effects

Answer 5

Cardiovascular: Hypotension, tachycardia
Neurological: Dizziness, headache
Other: Rebound hyperglycemia

Question 6

glucagon (GlucaGen)
Dosage

Answer 6

Adult
Hypoglycemia: 1mg IM/IN. Repeat PRN until symptom resolution.
Calcium channel blocker, beta blocker OD: 5mg slow IV push. Repeat in 5-10 minutes. Total
maximum dose: 10mg
Pediatric
Hypoglycemia: Greater than 20kg or older than 5 years: 1mg IM/IN. Less than 20kg or younger
than 5 years: 0.5mg IM/IN. No repeat dose.
Calcium channel blocker, beta blocker OD: Greater than 25kg: 1mg slow IV push every 5
minutes. Less than 25kg:0.5mg slow IV push every 5 minutes. No maximum dose.

Question 7

glucagon (GlucaGen)
special considerations

Answer 7

● Pregnancy Safety: Category B
● Ineffective if glycogen stores are depleted
● Not recommended for use in lactating mothers

Question 8

glucagon (GlucaGen)
Drug interactions

Answer 8

● Incompatible in solution with most substances