Effect of glucagon on gastric motility examined by the acetaminophen absorption method and the endoscopic procedure.

The effects of glucagon and butropium bromide on gastric motility were compared by the acetaminophen absorption method and the endoscopic procedure. Intramuscular administration of 1 USP unit of glucagon and 4 mg of butropium bromide caused a significant decrease in the serum acetaminophen level 30 min after digestion of a test meal. Results indicated that glucagon significantly delayed gastric emptying, and that its inhibitory effect was similar to that of butropium bromide. Moreover, endoscopic examinations showed that glucagon and butropium bromide had similar inhibitory effects on gastric peristalsis. However, butropium bromide caused side effects more frequently than glucagon. Therefore, premedication with glucagon is superior to that with butropium bromide for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.