Glucagon

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Instructions for use:

1. Pharmacological action
2. Indications for use
3. Method of application
4. Side effects
5. Contraindications specified in the instructions
6. Additional information

Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone whose function is to increase blood glucose levels.

pharmachologic effect

Glucagon is a physiological insulin antagonist.

Glucagon, whose functions are diametrically opposite to those of insulin, significantly increases the concentration of glucose in other organs due to its two effects: the breakdown of glycogen (the main storage carbohydrate) in the liver and an increase in gluconeogenesis (the formation of glucose from other organic compounds) in the liver. By causing glycogenolysis (the breakdown of glycogen to glucose) in the liver, the hormone glucagon increases the concentration of glucose in the blood for several minutes.

Glucagon, whose functions are not limited only to the hyperglycemic effect, is able to relieve spasms, as well as have an inotropic (change in the strength of heart contraction) and chronotropic (change in heart rate) effects on the heart as a result of increased production of cAMP (mediator in the distribution of signals of certain hormones).

High doses of glucagon induce strong intestinal relaxation that is not mediated by adenylate cyclase.

Indications for the use of Glucagon

Glucagon hormone is prescribed for:

relief of severe hypoglycemic conditions;
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in patients with diabetes mellitus;
shock therapy for mental illness;
diagnostic studies of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract as an adjunct.

Mode of application

Glucagon is produced in the form of a lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for injection. The introduction of the drug is possible subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous.

The relief of hypoglycemic conditions involves the administration of 1 mg of Glucagon to adults and children, whose weight corresponds to 20-25 kg. Children with less weight are recommended to use 500 mcg or a dose calculated by multiplying the child's body weight by 20-30 mcg of the drug. If necessary, the administration of Glucagon is repeated after 12 minutes. When using the hormone glucagon for diagnostic purposes, the dose can vary from 500 mcg to 2 mg.

After administration of the drug, it is recommended to additionally take carbohydrates in order to restore glycogen and prevent secondary hypoglycemia. If the use of Glucagon does not give the expected results, it is recommended to inject glucose intravenously.

Side effects

The hormone glucagon can cause such undesirable effects as a transient increase in blood pressure, tachycardia, vomiting, nausea, allergic reactions such as itching, skin rash and angioedema.

Contraindications specified in the instructions for glucagon

Glucagon, whose functions can be dangerous in certain diseases, is contraindicated in the following cases:

glucagonoma (a tumor that produces excess glucagon);
insuloma (a tumor that overproduces insulin);
pheochromocytoma (a tumor that secretes catecholamines in excess);
hypersensitivity to glucagon.

The drug is prescribed with caution to pregnant and lactating women.

Additional Information

Store Glucagon at a temperature corresponding to 15-30 ⁰ C.

Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!