References
Alternate uses for pancreatic hormones

Check your answers on page 258
10.12968/jprp.2020.2.5.224
Glucagon is a hormone secreted by the pancreatic alpha cells, which cause the mobilisation of hepatic glycogen stores. The most widespread licensed use of this medication is in the treatment of hypoglycaemia in insulin-treated diabetics, though it also has some diagnostic uses (eMC, 2015). What is slightly less well-known is that glucagon has positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on cardiac muscle, mediated via mechanisms independent of catecholamine (Méry, 1990). Patients having received an overdose of beta blocker medications, such as propranolol or atenolol, are likely to show signs of bradycardia and systemic hypotension. Traditional treatments for these symptoms, such as adrenaline or noradrenaline, are unlikely to produce an adequate therapeutic effect, as the beta adrenoceptors they usually exert an action on are blocked by the beta blocker. To treat bradycardia in a patient with beta blocker overdose, large doses of glucagon for its cardiac effects may be required until the patient recovers.
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