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Introduction
- A hyperglycaemic agent that converts stored liver glycogen to glucose to increase blood glucose concentration.
- Onset 4-7 minutes, duration 10-30 minutes.
Indications
For demonstrated hypoglycaemia where oral glucose cannot be administered and IV access cannot be obtained in a safe and timely manner.
- Altered conscious state in a known diabetic or of otherwise unknown cause where blood glucose level is below 4mmol/L.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity.
- Known pheochromocytoma
Precautions / Notes
- Glucagon is effective in treating hypoglycaemia only if sufficient liver glycogen is present (eg: it does not work on alcohol or anorexia induced hypoglycaemia).
- Even if fully recovered, patients should be encouraged to be transported to a medical facility to ensure effective follow up and review.
Management
Intramuscular injection into deltoid muscle or mid-lateral thigh
Adult:
- 1mg in 1ml IM.
- Repeat IM Glucagon after 10 minutes if unable to obtain IV access and patient still has inadequate GCS and blood glucose level.
Paediatric:
- <5 years: 0.5mg in 0.5ml
- 6-12 years: 1.0mg in 1.0ml
- Single dose only
Special Considerations
- Nausea/vomiting
- Gastric pain
- Transient rise of blood pressure for patients taking beta blockers.
References
References
Presentation
1mg in 1ml vial, accompanied by diluent for injection.
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