Double-blind evaluation of glucagon and propantheline bromide (pro-banthine) for hypotonic duodenography

Comparison of L-hyoscyamine, glucagon, and placebo for air-contrast upper gastrointestinal series

Previous studies have compared the use of anticholinergic drugs and glucagon for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) radiography. Many radiologists prefer glucagon because these comparisons showed it to have a shorter duration of action with fewer side effects. L-Hyoscyamine is the levo-rotatory form of atropine with minor adverse side effects. This study compared the effects of glucagon (N = 48), L-hyoscyamine (N = 43), and placebo (N = 45) on gastric and duodenal distension, mucosal coating, and patient tolerance. L-Hyoscyamine provided gastric and duodenal images equal in quality to glucagon. Except for the more frequent reporting of dry mouth with L-hyoscyamine, side effects were not different among the groups. L-Hyoscyamine is an economical alternative to glucagon for hypotonic gastrointestinal radiography.

Gastrointestinal radiography with glucagon

This report summarizes the results of nine diagnostic radiographic studies done double blind crossover comparing glucagon to placebo and to anticholinergic drugs in volunteers. In seven studies the subjects were administered drug intramuscularly and in two studies intravenously. There were five diagnostic studies of the upper gastrointestinal tract, one for esophageal varices and three of the colon. The results indicate that glucagon can be given intramuscularly and intravenously. When given intravenously it has a rapid onset and predictable length of action depending on the dose given. Reports of side effects were few consisting primarily of nausea and or vomiting. These results indicate that glucagon is the drug of choice for hypotonic diagnostic examinations.

Comparison of glucagon, atropine, and placebo as premedication for endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract

The effects of 0.5 mg glucagon and 0.5 mg atropine given intravenously as premedication in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy have been examined and compared to those of placebo (0.9% NaCl) in a double-blind study involving 36 patients and 1 endoscopist. The results showed no difference between atropine, glucagon, and placebo with regard to vomiting, opening of the pylorus, feeling of discomfort, or the success of the examination. Glucagon significantly reduced peristalsis compared with both atropine (p less than 0.01) and placebo (p less than 0.01). The reflux was also significantly reduced by glucagon compared with both atropine (p less than 0.01) and placebo (p less than 0.01). No difference was found between glucagon and atropine with regard to secretion, but both drugs reduced the secretion compared with placebo (p less than 0.05). Glucagon also reduced the secretion of mucus compared with placebo (p = 0.05). No adverse effects occurred.