title: Glucagon therapy in the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia.
abstract: Symptomatic bradycardia is commonly seen in the emergency department. Effective drug therapy for this clinical scenario is limited. Although glucagon has been used in no clinical trial in this setting, its cardiac activity may prove useful, particularly in the setting of beta-adrenergic blockade. We report a case series comprising three patients taking maintenance beta-blocker therapy who presented to the ED with symptomatic bradycardia and hypotension and in whom glucagon therapy obviated the need for further treatment. Further study is warranted to evaluate and define the role of glucagon in the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA.
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Love
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Howell
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005934:Glucagon / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D005934:Glucagon