glucagon (redirected from Glucagons)

glucagon /glu·ca·gon/ (gloo´kah-gon) a polypeptide hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in response to hypoglycemia or to stimulation by growth hormone, which stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver; used as the hydrochloride salt as an antihypoglycemic and as an adjunct in gastrointestinal radiography.

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glu·ca·gon (glk-gn)

n.

A polypeptide hormone secreted by alpha cells that initiates a rise in blood sugar levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen by the liver.

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Glucagon

A hormone produced in the pancreas that raises the level of glucose in the blood. An injectable form of glucagon, which can be bought in a drug store, is sometimes used to treat insulin shock.

Mentioned in: Hypoglycemia, Hypotonic Duodenography

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glucagon

[glo̅o̅′kəgon]

Etymology: Gk, glykys, sweet, agaein, to lead

a polypeptide hormone, produced by alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans, that stimulates the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver. Secretion of glucagon is stimulated by hypoglycemia and by growth hormone from the anterior pituitary. A preparation of purified crystallized glucagon is used in the treatment of certain hypoglycemic states. Also called hyperglycemic-glycogenolytic factor (HGF).

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glucagon (recombinant),

a form of recombinant DNA origin, having the same actions and uses as that of animal origin.

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glucagon (gloo´kgon),

n (hyperglycemic factor, hyperglycemic-glycogenolytic factor [HGF]) a hormone from the alpha cells of the pancreas that raises the blood sugar by increasing hepatic glycogenolysis.

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glucagon

a polypeptide hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in response to hypoglycemia or to stimulation by growth hormone. It increases blood glucose concentration by stimulating glycogenolysis in the liver and is administered to relieve hypoglycemic coma from any cause, especially hyperinsulinism.

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glucagon diabetes

glucagon elevates blood glucose levels and may contribute to the severity of diabetes if there is already an insulin deficit but it is not necessary to, nor sufficient for, the development of diabetes.

glucagon stimulation test

a provocative test of growth hormone (GH) function in which the fasting serum level of GH is measured before and after administration of glucagon.

glucagon tolerance test

evaluates the insulin response to elevation of blood glucose induced by administration of glucagon. Used in diagnosing hyperinsulinism.

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glucagon

GlucaGen Diagnostic Kit

Pharmacologic class: Antihypoglycemic

Therapeutic class: Insulin antagonist

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Increases blood glucose concentration by converting glycogen in liver to glucose. Also relaxes GI smooth muscle.

Availability

Powder for injection: 1-mg vials

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Severe hypoglycemia

Adults and children weighing more than 20 kg (44 lb): 1 mg subcutaneously, I.M., or I.V.

Children weighing 20 kg (44 lb) or less: 20 to 30 mcg/kg or 0.5-mg dose subcutaneously, I.M., or I.V.

➣ Diagnostic aid for radiologic examination

Adults: 0.25 to 2 mg I.V. or 1 to 2 mg I.M. before radiologic procedure

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug
• Pheochromocytoma

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• cardiac disease, adrenal insufficiency, chronic hypoglycemia
• history suggesting insulinoma or pheochromocytoma
• elderly patients
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients.

Administration

☞ Use only in hypoglycemic emergencies for patients with diabetes mellitus.
• Mix drug in 1-mg vial with 1 ml of diluent supplied by manufacturer.
• For I.V. injection, give 1 mg over 1 minute.
• Use drug immediately after preparing; discard unused portion.
☞ Patient should respond within 15 minutes. Because of potential serious adverse reactions linked to prolonged cerebral hypoglycemia, give I.V. glucose if patient fails to respond to glucagon.
• Give patient carbohydrate-rich foods as soon as he's alert.
• Dilute diagnostic aid doses above 2 mg with sterile water for injection.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
I.V.	Immediate	30 min	60-90 min
I.M., subcut.	4-10 min	Unknown	12-32 min

Adverse reactions

CV: hypotension

GI: nausea, vomiting

Metabolic: hypokalemia (with overdose)

Respiratory: bronchospasm, respiratory distress

Skin: urticaria, rash

Interactions

Drug-drug. Anticoagulants: enhanced anticoagulant effect

Drug-diagnostic tests. Potassium: decreased level

Patient monitoring

• Monitor blood glucose level.
• Monitor patient for aspiration.
• Assess blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and respiratory status.

Patient teaching

• Teach patient and family members the proper technique and timing for using this emergency drug.
☞ Emphasize importance of contacting prescriber right away if hypoglycemic emergency occurs.
☞ Tell caregiver or family member to arouse patient immediately and give additional carbohydrate by mouth as soon as patient can tolerate it.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and tests mentioned above.

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glucagon

Endocrinology A 29-residue polypeptide hormone, produced by pancreatic islet α cells that opposes insulin, activates hepatic phosphorylase, ↓ gastric motility, secretion and muscle mass, promotes glycogenolysis, ↑ serum glucose, ↑ ketogenesis and liver incorporation of amino acids and urinary excretion of Na+ and K+ ↑ in Neonates, glucagonoma, DM ↓ in Some Pts with DM, hypoglyecemia