Propranolol Glucagon

The toxicity associated with propranolol is for the most part related to its primary pharmacological action, inhibition of the cardiac (3-adrenoceptors. This topic is discussed in detail in Chapter 11. In addition, propranolol exerts direct cardiac depressant effects that become manifest when the drug is administered rapidly by the IV route. Glucagon immediately reverses all cardiac depressant effects of propranolol, and its use is associated with a minimum of side effects. The inotropic agents amrinone (Inocor) and milrinone (Primacor) provide alternative means of augmenting cardiac contractile function in the presence of -adrenoceptor blockade (see Chapter 15). Propranolol may also stimulate bron-chospasm in patients with asthma. 

Hazouard E, Ferrandiere M, Lesire V, Joye F, Perrotin D, de Toffol B. Peduncular hallucinosis related to propranolol self-poisoning efficacy of intravenous glucagon. Intensive Care Med 1999 25(3) 336-7. 

Parks JS, Amrhein JA, Vaidya V, Moshang T Jr, Bongiovanni AM. Growth hormone response to propranolol-glucagon stimulation A comparison with other tests of growth hormone reserve. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1973 37 85-92. 

Both alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors are blocked by labetalol Glucagon can be useful in reversing cardiac depression caused by a beta blocker They mask the signs of developing hyperthyroidism Treatment of glaucoma commonly involves the topical use of propranolol... 

The blood glucose-elevating effects of glucagon may be reduced by propranolol. 

The / -adrenergic blocking agents block the lipolytic effects of catecholamines as well as those of TSH, ACTH and glucagon. In man the increased plasma FFA levels induced by catecholamine infusion are effectively inhibited by the beta blocking drugs butoxamide and propranolol. 

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