Glucagon

Question 1

What is Glucagon?

Answer 1

A hormone that stimulates the liver to convert glycogen to glucose thereby raising blood sugar levels.

Question 2

Indications?

Answer 2

Hypoglycaemia, suspected hypoglycaemia (<4.0 millimoles per litre)

Question 3

Dosage and administration?

Answer 3

Age per page. >12 years 1 milligram

Question 4

Route?

Answer 4

Intramuscular - antero-lateral, thigh or upper arm.
Glucagon should only be administered when oral glucose administration is not possible or is ineffective and/ or 10% glucose is not possible

Question 5

Contra-indications

Answer 5

Pheochromocytoma (rare, benigh tumour found in renal gland). Never by IV.

Question 6

Cautions?

Answer 6

Low glycogen stores from previous glucagon use or starvation and for hypoglycaemic seizures glucose 10% is preferred intervention.