glucagon beta blocker antidote mechanism

Beta-blocker overdose and calcium channel blocker overdose can be treated with high-dose glucagon infusion in addition to beta-agonists such as epinephrine because of the logistical difficulties associated with obtaining large amounts of glucagon needed for infusion, the recommendation that high dose insulin euglycaemic therapy (HIET) and catecholamine therapy be optimized before adding glucagon infusion unless readily available in adequate quantities. Glucagon has several off-label indications, including beta-blocker overdose therapy, calcium channel blocker overdose adjunctive therapy, and medical treatment of esophageal food impaction. Previously, radiologists used anticholinergic agents for the same indication but switched to glucagon in the 1970s due to a safer side effect profile.

Glucagon is also utilized in biopsies, abscess drainage, GI stenting, and gastrostomy tube placement. The primary indicated use is to decrease peristalsis during abdominal vascular procedures such as treating esophageal varices and other GI bleeds.

Glucagon's role in gastrointestinal imaging is to induce bowel and upper gastrointestinal tract hypotonia, which permits more precise visualization for studies and procedures this is the same mechanism by which it helps esophageal food boluses pass. Glucagon is FDA approved as a diagnostic aid in imaging of the GI tract. Glucagon is a reliable method of raising the patient's glucose and relieving severe hypoglycemia long enough for more definitive correction of the patient's glucose levels by mouth, particularly when IV access is unavailable to the provider or has failed. IV glucose also runs the risk of severe tissue necrosis in the setting of IV medication extravasation. Patients with decreased levels of consciousness cannot safely consume the oral carbohydrates needed to raise their blood sugar without risk of aspiration, and obtaining IV access can be problematic in the diabetic population, which can prevent prompt administration of IV glucose. Glucagon has attractive traits in the diabetic population due to its simplicity of use and safe administration, not requiring patent IV access. Severe hypoglycemia is a life-threatening event treated with oral carbohydrate intake, IV glucose, or glucagon by various routes. It is FDA approved for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia. Glucagon is a polypeptide hormone commonly used in the treatment of severe hypoglycemia. Discuss interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to advance effective treatment with glucagon and improve outcomes.Review the appropriate monitoring for patients receiving glucagon.Describe the contraindications to glucagon therapy.Identify the mechanism of action of glucagon.In addition, this activity will highlight the mechanism of action, adverse event profile, and other key factors (e.g., off-label uses, dosing, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, monitoring, relevant interactions) pertinent for healthcare team members in managing patients with the indicated conditions. This activity describes the indications, actions, and contraindications for glucagon as a valuable agent in managing acute hypoglycemia, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blocker overdose, refractory anaphylaxis, and esophageal obstruction due to food bolus. It is in the anti-hypoglycemic class of medications.

Glucagon is a medication used to manage and treat hypoglycemia as an antidote to beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker overdose, anaphylaxis refractory to epinephrine, and aid in passing food boluses.

Glucagon beta blocker antidote mechanism