No

Antidote; Diagnostic Agent, Gastrointestinal

Management of hypoglycemia; diagnostic aid in the radiologic examination of GI tract when a hypnotic state is needed; used with some success as a cardiac stimulant in management of severe cases of beta-adrenergic blocking agent overdosage

B

Hypersensitivity to glucagon or any component

Use with caution in patients with a history of insulinoma and/or pheochromocytoma

1% to 10%:

Dermatologic: Urticaria

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting

Respiratory: Respiratory distress

Symptoms of overdose include hypokalemia, nausea, vomiting

Increased toxicity: Oral anticoagulant - hypoprothrombinemic effects may be increased possibly with bleeding

After reconstitution, use immediately; may be kept at 5°C for up to 48 hours if necessary

Stimulates adenylate cyclase to produce increased cyclic AMP, which promotes hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, causing a raise in blood glucose levels

Peak effect on blood glucose levels: Parenteral: Within 5-20 minutes

Duration of action: 60-90 minutes

Metabolism: In the liver with some inactivation occurring in the kidneys and plasma

Half-life, plasma: 3-10 minutes

Hypoglycemia or insulin shock therapy: I.M., I.V., S.C.:

Children: 0.025-0.1 mg/kg/dose, not to exceed 1 mg/dose, repeated in 20 minutes as needed

Adults: 0.5-1 mg, may repeat in 20 minutes as needed

If patient fails to respond to glucagon, I.V. dextrose must be given

Diagnostic aid: Adults: I.M., I.V.: 0.25-2 mg 10 minutes prior to procedure

Blood pressure, blood glucose

None reported

None reported

No information available to require special precautions

No effects or complications reported

Identify appropriate support person to administer glucagon if necessary. Follow prescribers instructions for administering glucagon. Review diet, insulin administration, and testing procedures with prescriber or diabetic educator.

Parenteral: Dilute with manufacturer provided diluent resulting in 1 mg/mL; if doses exceeding 2 mg are used, dilute with sterile water instead of diluent; administer by direct I.V. injection

Powder for injection, lyophilized: 1 mg [1 unit]; 10 mg [10 units]

Lang DM, "Anaphylactoid and Anaphylactic Reactions. Hazards of Beta-Blockers," Drug Saf, 1995, 12(5):299-304.

Lvoff R and Wilcken D, "Glucagon in Heart Failure and in Cardiogenic Shock - Experience in 50 Patients," Circulation, 1972, 45(3):534-42.

Pollack CV Jr, "Utility of Glucagon in the Emergency Department," J Emerg Med, 1993, 11(2):195-205.

Thoma ME and Glauser JM, "Use of Glucagon for Removal of an Orogastric Lavage Tube," Am J Emerg Med, 1995, 13(2):219-22.