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Glucagon, a polypeptide hormone, is an essential medication in the anti-hypoglycemic class and is crucial in managing various medical conditions. This drug is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating acute hypoglycemia and as a diagnostic aid during gastrointestinal imaging. Glucagon is effective in treating refractory anaphylaxis that does not respond to epinephrine, thereby highlighting its versatility in critical situations. The medication exerts its effects through glucagon receptors, increasing cAMP levels to stimulate glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, raising blood glucose levels. Glucagon has several off-label uses, including treating beta-blocker overdoses, serving as adjunctive therapy for calcium channel blocker overdoses, and managing esophageal food impaction. Glucagon serves as a valuable intervention for esophageal obstructions caused by food bolus impaction, which assists healthcare professionals in resolving such blockages.
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