THE CLINICAL VALUE OF GLUCAGON FOR THE PREMEDICATION OF UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY

Abstract

The clinical evaluation of glucagon for the premedication of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was made to 172 patients. When the lowest dose of glucagon (0.5mg, intramusculary) was given, gastric motility was inhibited in 87.5% (27/32) of the cases at the start of endoscopical observation. The inhibition was continued for 15 minutes in 42.9% (3/7). The effect of glucagon in this dose on the gastric motility was equivalent to that of anticolinergic (butropium bromide, 4mg intramuscular injection). The inhibition of gastric motility was most prominent and prolonged in patients given 1.0mg of glucagon intravenously. Gastric motility was inhibited in 97.1% (34/35) of patients soon after the injection of glucagon and in 66.7%(8/12) at 15 minutes after the injection. No untoward effects of glucagon were noted. These results indicate glucagon an the drug of choice for premedication in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.