Influence of glucagon on the cardiovascular effects of procainamide.

Effects of glucagon on procainamide-induced cardiac toxicity were studied in anesthetized dogs. Procainamide in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg produced dose-dependent decreases in the blood pressure, cardiac output, left ventricular work index, and left ventricular systolic pressure; and increases in the left ventricular end diastolic and right atrial pressure, and total systemic vascular resistance. Glucagon antagonized most of the effects of procainamide on the cardiovascular system. Glucagon may be effective in antagonizing procainamide-induced cardiac toxicity.