Glucagon (Glucagon Emergency Kit)

Question 1

Drug Classification

Answer 1

Hormone

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

• Liver* Glucagon causes activation of the glucagon G-protein second messenger, cAMP, which leads to a cascade of reactions that allows glucose to be released from glycogen polymers.
• Heart* Increased cAMP results in calcium entry from ECF and release from sarcoplasmic reticulum -> positive inotropy, chronotropy, dromotropy.
• Lower esophageal sphincter* increased cAMP causes SMC relaxation

Question 3

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 3

• Onset of Action- 5-20 minutes
• Peak Effects- 30 minutes
• Duration of Effects- 1-2 hours
• Half-Life- 5-10 minutes

Question 4

Indications/Field Use

Answer 4

• Hypoglycemia- inability to gain IV access
• Esophageal food bolus impaction
• Beta blocker/Calcium channel blocker overdose

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

• Pheochromocytoma

- Hypersensitivity

Question 6

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Answer 6

HA, dizziness, N&V, hypotension

Question 7

Dose

Answer 7

ADULT:

 - Hypoglycemia/Food bolus- 1mg IM
 - Ca2+ channel blocker/Beta Blocker OD/toxicity- 0.1mg/kg IV up to 5mg repeat in 5 minutes PRN

PEDI:
-Hypoglycemia- 0.02mg/kg IM max dose 1mg

Question 8

Precautions

Answer 8

Only effective in hypoglycemia if sufficient glycogen stores in liver

Question 9

Drug-Drug interaction

Answer 9

None EMS