Drug Cards

Glucagon

Class:
Hyperglycemic agent, pancreatic hormone.
Mechanism of Action:
  • Increases blood glucose by stimulating glycolysis.
  • Unknown mechanism of stabilizing cardiac rhythm in beta-blocker overdose.
  • Minimal positive inotrope and chronotrope.
  • Causes dilation of the esophagus and ideally will allow an obstruction to pass into the stomach.
Indications:
  • Altered level of consciousness when hypoglycemia is suspected.
  • May be used as inotropic agent in beta-blocker overdose.
  • Medical Control: Patients with esophageal obstruction. Nancy's p: 1419.
Contraindications:
  • Hyperglycemia.
  • Hypersensitivity.
Adverse reactions:
  • Nausea, vomiting.
  • Tachycardia, hypertension.
Drug Interactions:
  • Incompatible in solution with most other substances.
  • No significant drug interactions with other emergency medications.
Adult Dosage and Administration
  • Hypoglycemia: Administered when there is no IV/IO available for Dextrose administration:
    1 mg IM/IN. Repeat in 15 minutes if glucose remains <70 mg/dl. (<4mmol/L)
  • Beta Blocker/Calcium Channel Blocker OD:
    1-5mg IV/IO/IM titrated to effect.
  • Esophageal Obstruction: 1 mg IVP slow push.
🧸
Pediatric Dosage and Administration:
  • Hypoglycemia: Administered when there is no IV/IO available for Dextrose administration:
    0.1 mg/kg IM/IN/IV/IO (max dose 1 mg). Repeat in 15 minutes if glucose remains <70 mg/dl. (<4mmol/L)
  • Beta Blocker/Calcium Channel Blocker OD:
    0.5 - 1.0 mg IV/IO/IM titrated to effect.
Duration of Action:
  • Onset: 1 minute.
  • Peak effect: 30 minutes.
  • Duration: Variable (generally 9-17 minutes).
Special Considerations:
  • Pregnancy safety: Category C.
  • Ineffective if glycogen stores depleted.