Elsevier

The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Volume 11, Issue 2, March–April 1993, Pages 195-205
The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine in review
Utility of glucagon in the emergency department

https://doi.org/10.1016/0736-4679(93)90519-DGet rights and content

Abstract

Glucagon is a pancreatic polypeptide hormone that has diverse utility as both a therapeutic and diagnostic agent. Many of its pharmacologic actions are pertinent to the practice of emergency medicine. The author reviews the literature supporting each potential use of the drug and the purported physiologic mechanisms by which glucagon exerts these actions. The indications and proper dosages for glucagon in the acute care setting are summarized.

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