Glucogon

Question 1

Classification of Glucogon

Answer 1

Insulin antagonist
Anti-hypoglycemic

Question 2

Action of Drug

Answer 2

Pancreatic hormone, acts on glycogen converting it to glucose. This results in temporary increased BGL

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

Known or suspected hypoglycemia

Question 4

Contraindications

Answer 4

Known allergy/hypersensitivity to glucagon
Pheochromocytoma (ask about tumor on adrenal glands/kidney cancer)

Question 5

Cautions

Answer 5

Patients with chronic hypoglycemia, in starvation states, adrenal insufficiency.
Patients should be given sufficient carbs after to help them recover glycogen levels

Question 6

Side Effects

Answer 6

Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Increased BP and HR

Question 7

Dosage (IM & IN)

Answer 7

IM: = or above 25kg - 1mg
IM: below 25kg - 0.5 mg
IN: 3 mg in one nostril

Question 8

Pediatric concerns?

Answer 8

IM: below 25kg - 0.5 msg
IN: below 4 years old - not indicated! Do not give!
IN: above 4 years? 3mg in one nostril

Question 9

Elimination

Answer 9

Metabolized in liver, kidneys, and in plasma (or GI tract if accidentally ingested)

Question 10

When to administer?

Answer 10

Hypoglycemic patient (BGL level indicated after vitals, SAMPLE, pain if relevant)
Cannot maintain airway/unresponsive patient (otherwise you can be less invasive and administer oral glucose)

Question 11

How to administer?

Answer 11

Put wet dosage into dry dosage & swirl
Disinfect area
Draw up in new needle (either pressurizing or just drawing up) 1ml (=1mg)
Air bubble flick & air out
IM injection into disinfected area once dry and not contaminated

Question 12

What is iatrogenic overdose?

Answer 12

Excessive parenteral administration of glucagon - can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Question 13

Onset, Peak, Duration

Answer 13

IM onset: 5-10mins
IM peak: 30-45mins
IM duration: 60-90mins
IN onset: 10-13mins
IN peak: 90mins
IN duration: 60-90mins