Glucagon

:)

You Can Do This!! 

Classification:         

Hyperglycemic agent (pancreatic hormone)

Action:                     

Elevates blood glucose by converting liver glycogen into

free glucose molecules.

Relaxes smooth muscle of the GI tract.

Increases inotropic and chronotropic effect of myocardium

Indications:            

Altered level of consciousness when hypoglycemia is

suspected and IV access cannot be established

Contraindications: 

Not significant in above indications

Adverse Effects:

Cardiovascular 

tachycardia

hypertension

 angina           

Gastrointestinal

nausea / vomiting

Neurological

dizziness

Administration:       

1mg IM.  May repeat every 20 minutes two times.

Pediatrics:                

Not used in prehospital setting

Onset:

Duration:              

Onset:             5 – 10 minutes

Duration:           1 – 2 hours

Precautions:           

Place patient in left lateral position, monitor airway at all times and have suction readily available.  Vomiting may occur and cause aspiration in the unconscious patients.

Note:    

Only effective if liver glycogen is available and may be ineffective in chronic hypoglycemia, starvation, or renal insufficiency.

Patients with coronary artery disease or heart disease may increase risk of AMI.