Hypotonic Colon Examination with Glucagon

Abstract

In a clinical double-blind crossover study, the effects on barium enema examinations of intramuscular injections of a placebo, glucagon, atropine sulfate, and glucagon plus atropine sulfate were compared in 12 male volunteers for a total of 48 studies. With either atropine sulfate or glucagon there were decreased colon tonicity and increased comfort during the examination. Number and intensity of side effects were less with either placebo or glucagon than with atropine sulfate alone or combined with glucagon. The subject is more comfortable, the colon and small bowel more relaxed, intracolonic pressure less, and the examination more quickly completed after glucagon than after placebo or atropine sulfate.