Glucagon Flashcards Preview

3: Drugs for Clinical Medicine > Glucagon > Flashcards

Flashcards in Glucagon Deck (15)
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1
Q

What is glucagon?

A

A hormone produced by the alpha cells in the islet of Langerhans in the pancreas

2
Q

What does glucagon do?

A

Mobilises glycogen from the liver to be converted to glucose

3
Q

What are the routes of delivery of glucagon?

A
  • IV
  • IM
  • SC
4
Q

What are the indications for glucagon?

A
  • Hypoglycaemia

- Beta blocker overdose

5
Q

What should be done if glucagon is not effective in hypoglycaemia?

A

IV glucose should be administered

6
Q

Is glucagon effective in chronic hypoglycaemia?

A

No

7
Q

Why is glucagon used in beta blocker overdose?

A

It is a beta-2 agonist

8
Q

What are the contraindications to glucagon?

A

Pheochromocytoma

9
Q

When should glucagon be used with caution?

A
  • Glucagonoma
  • Insulinoma
  • Starvation
  • Adrenal insufficiency
10
Q

What needs to be considered when glucagon is used to treat growth hormone secretion disorders in children?

A

Delayed hypoglycaemia may occur, and it is essential to ensure the child has a meal before discharge

11
Q

What might glucagon interact with?

A

Warfarin

12
Q

What might happen if glucagon is given with warfarin?

A

Increased anticoagulant effect

13
Q

What monitoring is required when glucagon is used in hypoglycaemia?

A

Monitor blood glucose frequently

14
Q

What monitoring is required when glucagon is used in beta blocker overdose?

A

Monitor patients vital signs and treat symptomatically

15
Q

What are the side effects of glucagon?

A
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Hypokalaemia
  • Hypotension