Glucagen (Glucagon)

Glucagen is employed primarily for the urgent correction of low blood glucose in clinical and emergency contexts.

• Treatment of severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes when oral carbohydrate intake is impossible.
• Emergency management of hypoglycemia in unconscious or unable-to-swallow individuals.
• Use during insulin overdose or accidental hypoglycemic events.
• Administration in pre‑hospital settings by emergency medical services.
• Adjunct therapy for diagnostic testing of pancreatic function (glucagon stimulation test) where appropriate.

The safety profile of Glucagen includes both frequently observed and less common adverse reactions.

Common

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

Serious

• Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis or severe rash.
• Marked hyperglycemia requiring medical intervention.
• Cardiovascular effects such as tachycardia, hypertension, or arrhythmias.
• Pancreatitis.
• Severe hypotension (rare).

Before using Glucagen, healthcare providers should consider several precautionary measures to ensure safe administration.

• Verify the patient’s diagnosis of hypoglycemia and assess the need for injectable glucagon.
• Use caution in patients with pheochromocytoma or insulinoma due to potential exaggerated response.
• Avoid use in individuals with known hypersensitivity to glucagon or formulation components.
• Monitor blood glucose after administration to prevent rebound hyperglycemia.
• Adjust dose in pediatric patients according to weight and clinical guidelines.
• Ensure proper storage conditions (refrigerated, protected from light).

Glucagen may interact with certain medications, influencing its effectiveness or safety.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of beta‑blockers, which may mask typical glucagon‑induced tachycardia.
• Combination with other antihypoglycemic agents that could cause unpredictable glucose fluctuations.
• Use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) due to potential hypertensive response.

Use with caution

• Concomitant administration of insulin or sulfonylureas; monitor glucose closely.
• Co‑administration with catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine) may augment cardiovascular effects.
• Use with diuretics that affect electrolyte balance; observe for signs of fluid shifts.