Glucagon falls into which class of drug?

Master the SNHD Advanced EMT Protocols. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Be ready for the AEMT test!

Glucagon is classified as an insulin antagonist because it plays a critical role in glucose metabolism by increasing blood glucose levels. It acts primarily on the liver, stimulating the conversion of glycogen to glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. This physiological action is particularly important in situations where blood sugar levels are low, such as in cases of hypoglycemia.

As an insulin antagonist, glucagon counteracts the effects of insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels. This makes it essential for managing specific medical emergencies, especially in diabetic patients who may experience severe hypoglycemia.

Other classifications such as opioid receptor agonist, beta-agonist, and antihypertensive pertain to entirely different mechanisms and therapeutic uses, which do not relate to glucagon's function in glucose metabolism. Thus, understanding glucagon’s role helps clarify its classification as an insulin antagonist within pharmacology.

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