Glucagon
Mechanism :
It is a hormone, which is also normally secreted in the body by the pancreas. It stimulates the conversion of glycogen to glucose and gluconeogenesis. Glucagon increases blood glucose concentration and is used in the treatment of hypoglycemia. Glucagon acts only on liver glycogen, converting it to glucose. Glucagon administered through a parenteral route relaxes smooth muscle of the stomach, duodenum, small bowel, and colon.
Indication :
- Hypoglycemia
- Growth hormone testing
Contraindications :
Glucagon is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to it or in patients with known pheochromocytoma.
Dosing :
Hypoglycemia:
Under 6 years:
0.5 mg SC/IM/IV; repeat after 15 minutes if needed.
Above 6 years:
1 mg SC/IM/IV; repeat after 15 minutes if needed.
Under 25 kg:
500 mcg; repeat after 15 minutes if needed.
>25 kg:
1 mg; repeat after 15 minutes if needed.
GH testing:
>1 month:
100 mcg/kg. Maximum: 1 mg.
Adverse Effect :
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, hypotension, tachycardia, hypokalemia, hypersensitivity reactions, necrolytic migratory erythema.
Interaction :
Not significant.
Hepatic Dose :
No dosage adjustments are needed.