GLUCAGON HCL (Glucagon)

• increases blood glucose concentrations by converting hepatic glycogen to glucose
• produces relaxation of the smooth muscle of the stomach, duodenum, small bowel and colon; used in diagnostic tests requiring a hypotonic state
• has inotropic and chronotropic effects, possibly by stimulating the release of catecholamines; can be used to counteract the symptoms of beta blocker overdose

• 1 mg = 1 unit
• for severe hypoglycemia or termination of insulin shock:  0.5-1 mg IM, SC or IV q 5-25 minutes to a maximum of 3 doses
• as a diagnostic aid: 1-2 mg IM or 0.25-2 mg IV depending on desired onset of action and desired duration of effect
• for beta blocker overdose: 
  • bolus dose of 3-10 mg q10min as required
  • infusion at 3-5 mg/hr, titrated to patient response

• use provided diluent only if dose <2 mg and for intermitten injection; otherwise use sterile water for injection, then dilute further with D5W if reuired.

• nausea, vomiting
• hypokalemia
• increased HR, BP

• in patients with pheochromocytoma as may induce sudden release of large amounts of catecholamines from the tumour
• in patients with insulinoma as may induce tumour to release insulin, precipitating hypoglycemia

• glucagon + epinephrine = increased and prolonged hyperglycemic effect of glucagon

• serum glucose
• HR
• BP
• serum electrolytes

• May be administed SC, IM, IV direct or by IV infusion by a nurse in Adult Critical Care
• Continuous infusions must be administered by infusion device with pump library enabled.