The effect of glucagon on the swallowing of capsules

Glucagon (0.3 mg) given intravenously to 45 patients with normal oesophageal motility significantly reduced oesophageal transit of hard gelatin capsules when swallowed in the supine position with 15 ml water, compared to an age/sex matched group. This is taken to represent an effect on oesophageal peristalsis which has not previously been recognised.