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10 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
- 3rd side (hint)
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What is the best-known trade name for glucagon?
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GlucaGen
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Glucagon was named in 1923, probably from the Greek γλυκός ("sweet") and ἄγειν ("to drive").
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What is the functional class of glucagon?
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Hormone
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Glucagon is a peptide (nonsteroid) hormone as it consists of a short chain of amino acids.
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What is the mechanism of action of glucagon?
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Glucagon is a protein secreted by the alpha cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It is used to convert stored glycogen in the liver to glucose. Additionally, it inhibits the synthesis of glycogen from glucose. It enhances conventional treatments for calcium channel blocker and beta-blocker overdose by producing a positive inotropic and chronotropic effect on the heart via stimulation of glucagon specific receptors in the myocardium. These receptors are not affected by even massive doses of beta-blockers, thereby reversing hypotension and bradycardia.
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Glucagon is also a smooth muscle relaxant and can also be used for diverse conditions such as FBAO and asthma.
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What are the listed indications for glucagon?
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- Hypoglycemia without IV access
- Adjuvant treatment of toxic effects of CCB and beta-blockers |
The effectiveness of glucagon for hypoglycemia is constantly debated.
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What are the listed contraindications for glucagon?
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Known hypersensitivity
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Some sources include pheochromocytoma as a critical contraindication.
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What are the listed precautions for glucagon?
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Glucagon is only effective if there are sufficient stores of glycogen
in the liver |
The glycogen stores are only required if glucagon is being used to treat hypoglycemia!
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What are the listed side effects for glucagon?
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- Hypotension
- Headache - Dizziness - N/V - Hyperglycemia - Hypokalemia |
Rashes and urticaria have also been reported
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What are the listed interactions for glucagon?
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None significant
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Glucagon can potentiate the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
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What is the dosage and route of glucagon?
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Adult:
- Hypoglycemia: 1mg (unit) IM/SQ q10-20 minutes - CCB/beta-blocker overdose: 2-5mg IM/SQ/IV Pediatric: - 0.01-0.1mg/kg IM/SQ |
Glucagon can be administered as an infusion as part of definitive care for overdoses.
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What are the pharmacokinetics of glucagon?
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Onset = 5-20 minutes
Duration = 1-1.5 hours |
Manufacturer's information for GlucaGen indicates half-lives of 8-18min (IV) and 45min (IM).
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