Other Names

Glucagon

Classification

Hyperglycemic agent

Action

Increases blood sugar by stimulating the liver to catalyze liver glycogen into glucose

Indications

•Hypoglycemia

•Beta blocker toxicity

•Anaphylaxis with refractory hypotension

•Calcium channel blocker toxicity refractory to IV calcium

•Relief of lower esophageal foreign body (smooth muscle relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter)

Contraindications

•Hypersensitivity to the medication

•Pheochromocytoma

Precautions

•Administer with caution in patients receiving corticosteroids

•May precipitate gout; hyperglycemia in diabetics; vascular thrombosis in elderly or debilitated

•Use cautiously in patients with insulinoma

Adverse Reactions

•Nausea and vomiting

•Hypotension

•Hypokalemia

•Bronchospasms

Interactions/Compatibility/Stability

•Enhances effects of anticoagulants

•Phenytoin inhibits glucagon-induced insulin release

Special Considerations

•Medication should be used only in an emergency situation

Dosages

•Preparation: 1 mg/ml vial (powder) reconstitute with 1 ml preload of NS

•Hypoglycemia:

•Adult: > 20 kg administer 1 mg or 1 ml SC

•Pediatric: < 20 kg administer 0.5 mg or 0.5 ml SC

•Beta blocker overdose:

•Adult: 3 - 10 mg IV bolus and then  1 - 5 mg/h infusion

Kinetics

Onset:         IV  Immediate

                    IM, SC 4 - 10 minutes

Peak:          30 minutes

Duration:    60-90 minutes

Want to help out?  Feel free to fill in a template for a medication that you use in your system and send it to me.  These templates are (and always will be) free for anyone to use.  Send it to Marc.