Tuesday July 20, 2010

Q: What is the dose of Glucagon in severe life threatening Beta-blocker toxicity?

Answer: The doses of glucagon required to reverse severe beta-blockade are 50 micrograms/kg IV loading dose, followed by a continuous infusion of 1-15 mg/h, titrated to patient response.

Glucagon increases heart rate and myocardial contractility, and improves atrioventricular conduction. These effects are unchanged by the presence of beta-receptor blocking drugs.