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Glucagon

Presentation
  • 1 mg (IU) in 1 mL hypokit
Pharmacology

A hormone normally secreted by the pancreas

Actions:

  • Causes an increase in blood glucose concentration by converting stored
    liver glycogen to glucose
Metabolism

Mainly by the liver, also by the kidneys and in the plasma

  1. Diabetic hypoglycaemia (BGL < 4 mmol/L) in patients with an altered conscious state who are unable to self-administer oral glucose
  2. Anaphylaxis (adult) where patients remain hypotensive following adrenaline therapy with past history of heart failure or patients taking beta-blocker medication
  1. Nil of significance in the above indication
  1. Nil of significance in the above indication
Route of administration
  • IV
  • IM
Special Notes

Not all patients will respond to Glucagon, e.g. those with inadequate glycogen
stores in the liver (alcoholics, malnourished).

IM Effects

Onset: 5 minutes
Peak: n/a
Duration: 25 minutes

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