NCTI- Pharmacology- Drug List B- Glucagon

none

hormone

• Elevates blood glucose level by converting stored liver glycogen into glucose
• Increases heart rate and myocardial contractility and improves AV conduction in a manner similar to that produced by catecholamines

• ALOC with hypoglycemia when no IV can be established
• Beta-Blocker OD

Not significant

• Cardiovascular: tachycardia, hypertension
• CNS: dizziness, headache

• Only effective if liver glycogen is available, may be ineffective in chronic hypoglycemia or starvation patients
• Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease or renal insufficiency/disease

none

IM, IVP, IO

Onset in 5-20 minutes and may last 15-30 minutes

• Adult:
• Hypoglycemia: 1 mg IM; May repeat in 20 minutes
• Beta Blocker OD: 1 mg IV

Pediatric: 0.03 – 0.1 mg/kg IM; Max dose 1 mg (must have documented hypoglycemia)

Place patient into recovery position to prevent aspiration should vomiting occur prior to patient becoming fully conscious