UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
 Introduction
  • A hyperglycaemic agent that increases blood glucose concentration by activating hepatic glucose production and decreasing GI motility
  • Onset: 4-7 minutes; duration 10-40 minutes

Pharmacology Review

 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, insulinoma, glucagonoma
 Precautions / Notes
  • Glucagon is effective in treating hypoglycaemia only if sufficient liver glycogen is present (i.e. it does not work on alcohol or anorexia induced hypoglycaemia).
  • Give complex carbohydrates orally when patient has responded to prevent recurrent hypoglycaemia
  • Even if fully recovered, patients should be encouraged to be transported to a medical facility to ensure effective follow up and review.
 Preparation
Preparation
 Management
 Weight-based Calculations
 
Clear
 kg 
Mode: 
Weight: 
Cefazolin for fractures/prophylaxis
Presentation: /mL
Calculated dose:  in

Intramuscular injection into deltoid muscle or mid-lateral thigh

Adult:

  • 1 mg (1 mL) IM
  • Response to glucagon should occur in 10 minutes; if no response, give IV glucose
  • If unable to obtain IV access, repeat IM glucagon after 10 minutes if patient still has inadequate GCS and blood glucose level.

Paediatric:

  • < 25 kg: 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) IM
  • > 25kg: 1 mg (1 mL) IM
  • Single dose only
 Special Considerations
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Gastric pain
  • Transient rise of blood pressure for patients taking beta blockers.
Presentation
  • 1mg in 1ml vial, accompanied by diluent for injection.
Glucagon
Settings
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References
References

Document Control


Directorate
Clinical Services

Responsible Manager
Head of Clinical Services

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