Utility of glucagon in the emergency department.

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.