Glucagen (Glucagon)

Glucagen is indicated for acute medical situations that require rapid elevation of blood glucose, particularly when oral carbohydrate administration is impractical or ineffective.

• Severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes when oral glucose cannot be given or is ineffective.
• Emergency treatment of insulin overdose to quickly restore normal glucose levels.
• Management of beta‑blocker or calcium‑channel blocker overdose where hypoglycemia may be precipitated.
• Pre‑hospital care of unconscious or non‑responsive patients with documented low blood sugar.
• Situations requiring rapid glucose increase during surgical or procedural sedation.

The safety profile of Glucagen reflects its mechanism of rapidly increasing blood glucose; most adverse events are mild and transient.

Common

• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Flushing or warmth sensation
• Headache
• Injection‑site pain, redness, or swelling
• Transient dizziness

Serious

• Allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, urticaria, or angioedema
• Marked hyperglycemia leading to osmotic diuresis
• Cardiovascular effects including tachycardia, hypertension, or arrhythmias
• Rare seizures or neurologic changes
• Severe hypotension in susceptible individuals

Glucagen should be used with awareness of specific clinical considerations to minimize risk.

• Verify hypoglycemia with a blood glucose measurement before administration when possible.
• Use caution in patients with known glucagon allergy or previous severe reactions.
• Monitor cardiac status in patients with underlying heart disease, as rapid glucose shifts can affect heart rate and blood pressure.
• Adjust dose or avoid use in patients with pheochromocytoma or adrenal medullary tumors.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should receive Glucagen only if the benefit outweighs potential risk, as safety data are limited.
• Store the product according to label instructions; avoid freezing and protect from light.

Glucagen may interact with other medications that affect glucose metabolism or cardiovascular function.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of high‑dose insulin or insulin secretagogues without close glucose monitoring.
• Beta‑blockers or calcium‑channel blockers in overdose situations where glucagon may mask symptoms.

Use with caution

• Oral hypoglycemic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that could cause rebound hypoglycemia.
• Medications that prolong QT interval, as rapid glucose changes may exacerbate arrhythmias.
• Drugs that affect hepatic glycogen stores, such as corticosteroids, which may alter glucagon effectiveness.
• Anticholinergic agents that could blunt the typical side‑effects of glucagon.