Glucagon Therapy in the Treatment of Symptomatic Bradycardia, ,

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 β-adrenergic blockade. We report a case series comprising three patients taking maintenance β-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. [Love JN, Howell JM: Glucagon therapy in the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia. Ann Emerg Med January 1997;29:181-183.]