Glucagen (Glucagon)

Glucagen is indicated for several acute medical situations where rapid elevation of blood glucose is required.

• Treatment of severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes when oral glucose is not feasible.
• Emergency management of beta‑blocker or calcium‑channel blocker overdose.
• Diagnostic use in the glucagon stimulation test to assess growth hormone deficiency.
• Supportive therapy during certain cardiac stress tests where glucose modulation is needed.
• Adjunct in some protocols for assessing adrenal insufficiency.
• Use in pediatric patients for congenital hyperinsulinism when other therapies are ineffective.

Glucagen may cause a range of physiological responses after administration, varying from mild to severe. These effects are generally short‑lived and resolve without intervention in most individuals.

Common

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Flushing or warmth sensation.
• Transient headache.
• Mild abdominal discomfort.
• Dizziness or light‑headed feeling.
• Transient increase in blood pressure.
• Mild tremor or shakiness.
• Temporary feeling of anxiety.

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Rapid heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia) or chest pain.
• Hypotension or shock in rare cases.
• Seizure activity in patients with pre‑existing neurological disorders.
• Severe hyperglycemia if dose is excessive.
• Cardiovascular collapse in patients with underlying heart disease.

When prescribing or administering Glucagen, clinicians should observe several precautionary measures to ensure patient safety.

• Verify the diagnosis of hypoglycemia or other indication before use.
• Assess for known hypersensitivity to glucagon or any formulation components.
• Use the lowest effective dose and monitor blood glucose closely after administration.
• Exercise caution in patients with pheochromocytoma, adrenal insufficiency, or cardiovascular disease.
• Avoid use in pregnant or nursing women unless the benefit outweighs the risk, as safety data are limited.
• Ensure proper storage away from light and at recommended temperatures to maintain potency.

Glucagen can interact with other agents, influencing its efficacy or safety profile.

Avoid

• Concomitant use with beta‑adrenergic antagonists that may mask glucagon’s cardiovascular effects.
• Administration alongside insulin analogs without appropriate glucose monitoring.
• Avoid use in patients receiving high-dose catecholamines, as response may be unpredictable.

Use with caution

• Use with other vasopressors; monitor blood pressure closely.
• Caution when combined with oral hypoglycemic agents; adjust dosing as needed.
• Concurrent use with drugs that affect hepatic glycogen stores, such as corticosteroids.
• Interaction with anesthetic agents during surgery; inform the anesthesia team.
• When combined with diuretics, monitor electrolyte levels, especially potassium.