Glucagon

Question 1

Glucagon - Type

Answer 1

Pancreatic hormone

Question 2

Glucagon - Presentation

Answer 2

Vial containing 1 IU as dry powder with a syringe containing 1ml of diluting solution

Question 3

Glucagon - Action

Answer 3

Causes the liver to metabolise stores of glycogen to glucose, resulting in a rise in the blood glucose level.
Only effective if liver glycogen is available
Onset IM 5-20 mins

Question 4

Glucagon - Use

Answer 4

Treatment of hypoglycaemia (BGL

Question 5

Glucagon - Adverse effects (2)

Answer 5

Very rare

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Very occasionally, hypersensitivity

Question 6

Glucagon - Contraindication

Answer 6

Known hypersensitivity

Question 7

Glucagon - Dose

Answer 7

Adult - 1 IU IM
Paediatric - 20kg 1 IU IM
Single dose only

Question 8

Glucagon - Note

Answer 8

Patients who respond to glucagon should eat to prevent later development of further hypoglycaemia.
Recheck BGL following treatment