| Glucagon |
Mechanism of Action
Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone and insulin antagonist. Naturally this protein is
secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas. When released, it elevates blood
glucose levels by increasing the breakdown of glycogen to glucose and inhibiting
glycogen synthesis. The drug is will be ineffective in the treatment of
hypoglycemia if liver glycogen is not available.
Indications
Altered level of consciousness where hypoglycemia is suspected.
May be used in beta-blocker overdose.
May be used in calcium channel blocker overdose.
Packaging
1 mg ( 1 unit) white powder and 1 ml dilutant solution
Drug box inventory = 2
Onset & Duration
Onset: within 1 minute
Duration: 10-20 minutes
Doses and Administration
After mixing 1mg powder with 1 ml dilutant
Give 1 mg SC/IM
Precautions
Not the primary drug for the treatment of hypoglycemia, use only if no IV is
established.
May cause:
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Nausea and vomiting
Use with caution in patients with hypersensitivety to proteins.
Pediatrics
Same dose as adults, in known diabetics.
Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone and insulin antagonist. Naturally this protein is
secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas. When released, it elevates blood
glucose levels by increasing the breakdown of glycogen to glucose and inhibiting
glycogen synthesis. The drug is will be ineffective in the treatment of
hypoglycemia if liver glycogen is not available.
Indications
Altered level of consciousness where hypoglycemia is suspected.
May be used in beta-blocker overdose.
May be used in calcium channel blocker overdose.
Packaging
1 mg ( 1 unit) white powder and 1 ml dilutant solution
Drug box inventory = 2
Onset & Duration
Onset: within 1 minute
Duration: 10-20 minutes
Doses and Administration
After mixing 1mg powder with 1 ml dilutant
Give 1 mg SC/IM
Precautions
Not the primary drug for the treatment of hypoglycemia, use only if no IV is
established.
May cause:
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Nausea and vomiting
Use with caution in patients with hypersensitivety to proteins.
Pediatrics
Same dose as adults, in known diabetics.