Glucagon in barium examinations in infants and children: special reference to dosage

The dose of intravenous glucagon which will produce a predictable, short and useful period of gastro-intestinal atony during double contrast barium examinations in infants and children has been established. A dose of 0.5-1.0 micrograms/kg body weight will produce an atonic period of three to five minutes which is satisfactory for double contrast meals. A larger dose of 0.8-1.25 micrograms/kg is recommended for barium enemas for which an atonic period of five to ten minutes was found to be satisfactory. These doses have been derived from data obtained during 20 barium examinations in infants and children. In barium meals the glucagon is given after the duodenal cap has opacified. In barium enemas it is recommended to give the drug at the beginning of the examination. Benefits of the use of these small doses of i.v. glucagon are: (1) atony permitting good double contrast examination; (2) rapid return to normal permitting motility to be examined; (3) relief of painful and obstructive spasm in barium enemas; (4) quietening of angry, hungry infants; (5) probable shortening of the total examination time. No undesirable side effect was observed.