GLUCAGON

Class

Hormone (antihypoglycemic agent)

Pharmacology and Actions

1. Increases blood sugar concentration by converting liver glycogen to glucose.
2. Relaxes smooth muscle of the GI tract.
3. Increases heart rate and cardiac contractility.

Indications

1. Symptomatic hypoglycemia when IV access is unsuccessful.
2. Hypotensiion from beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker overdose unresponsive to normal saline bolus.
3. Suspected symptomatic esophageal foreign body.

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity to the drug

Precautions

1. Use with caution in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, renal disease, pheochromocytoma or insulinoma.

Administration

1. Hypoglycemia: Adult dose; 1 mg IM
2. Beta blocker / Ca ++ Channel Blocker OD - Contact medical control
   1. Adult Dose: 2mg IV/IO
   2. Pediatric Dose: 0.1 mg/kg IV/IO (max dose is 1 mg).

Side Effects and Special Notes

1. Nausea, vomiting, and headache.
2. When glucagon is given for hypoglycemia the patient should receive glucose as soon as possible after the administration of glucagon.