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Emergency Drugs Endocrine
Related Subjects: |Emergency Drugs |Emergency Drug Antidotes |Emergency Cardiac Drugs |Emergency Endocrine Drugs |Emergency Gastrointestinal Drugs |Emergency Haematology Drugs |Emergency Neuropsychiatric drugs |Emergency Pain drugs |Emergency Respiratory drugs |Emergency Obstetric and Gynaecology Drugs |Emergency Paediatric Drugs
Check all doses with BNF or equivalent UK guidelines
| DRUG | MOA | DOSE IV | DOSE PO | INDICATION | CONTRAINDICATION / CAUTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glucagon | Increases cAMP (bypassing beta receptors) to stimulate gluconeogenesis & glycogenolysis |
Beta-blocker/CCB overdose: 3–10 mg IV bolus, then 1–10 mg/h IV infusion if responsive
Hypoglycaemia: 1 mg IV/IM/SC (check BNF for paediatric doses) |
N/A | Beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker overdose, severe hypoglycaemia | Possible anaphylactoid reactions, hypotension, vomiting (aspiration risk). Consult BNF for pregnancy advice. |
| Hydrocortisone | Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity, reduces inflammation, supports BP |
Adrenal insufficiency: 100 mg IV bolus, then 50 mg IV every 6 h for 24 h then taper
Septic shock (refractory): 50 mg IV every 6 h Status asthmaticus: 1–2 mg/kg IV every 6 h for 24 h then maintenance |
N/A | Acute adrenal insufficiency, refractory shock, severe asthma exacerbation | Immunosuppression, hyperglycaemia, check BNF for pregnancy use. |
| Insulin (Regular) | Facilitates glucose uptake, shifts K+ intracellularly, improves contractility in CCB OD |
Hyperkalaemia: 5–10 units IV once (with glucose if needed)
CCB overdose: 1 unit/kg IV bolus + 25 g glucose if BG < 250 mg/dL; then infusion 0.1–1 unit/kg/h with glucose to maintain BG 5.5–11 mmol/L (100–200 mg/dL) DKA/HHS: 0.1 unit/kg IV bolus, then 0.1 unit/kg/h infusion (adjust as per protocol) |
N/A | Hyperkalaemia, calcium channel blocker overdose, DKA/HHS | Risk of hypokalaemia, hypoglycaemia; only regular (soluble) insulin can be given IV. Refer to BNF for pregnancy (generally safe if indicated). |
| Prednisone | Glucocorticoid (with some mineralocorticoid) activity; anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive | N/A | Typically 1 mg/kg/day PO (common range 5–60 mg daily) adjusted based on response | Asthma exacerbation, certain pneumonias (e.g., PCP with severe hypoxaemia), allergic reactions | Immunosuppression, risk of GI ulceration, hyperglycaemia. Check BNF for use in pregnancy. |
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