Glucagon (GlucaGen)

Question 1

Generic/Trade Name

Glucagon

Answer 1

GlucaGen

Question 2

Generic/Trade Name

GlucaGen

Answer 2

Glucagon

Question 3

Glucagon (GlucaGen)

Drug Classification:

Answer 3

Hormone

Question 4

Glucagon (GlucaGen)

Mechanism of Action:

Answer 4

Natural polypeptide hormone produced by alpha cells in pancreas

Causes breakdown of glycogen to glucose and inhibits synthesis of glycogen from glucose

Increases heart rate (chronotropy) and myocardial contractility (inotropy)

Improves AV conduction (domotropy) independent of beta blockade

Question 5

Glucagon (GlucaGen)

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 5

Onset- 5-20 min
Peak- 30 min
Duration- 1-2 hr
½ Life- variable

Question 6

Glucagon (GlucaGen)

Indications & Contraindications

Answer 6

Indications:

• Hypoglycemia
• Beta-blocker overdose
• Calcium channel blocker overdose

Contraindications: None

Question 7

Glucagon (GlucaGen)

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions:

Answer 7

Hypotension, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting

Question 8

Glucagon (GlucaGen)

Adult & Pedi Dose:

Answer 8

(ADULT) 1.0 mg IM may repeat every 5-20 min

(PEDI) 0.03-0.1 mg/kg/dose IM

**Beta-blocker OD and impacted choking- 5 mg IV**

Question 9

Glucagon (GlucaGen)

Precautions:

Answer 9

• Obtain BGL before and after
• Only effective if sufficient glycogen stores in liver
• Caution in patients with cardiovascular or renal disease

Question 10

Glucagon (GlucaGen)

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Answer 10

Few in EMS