Glucagen (Glucagon)

Glucagen is indicated for the rapid correction of severe hypoglycemia when oral glucose is not feasible.

• Emergency treatment of acute hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.
• Management of hypoglycemia in patients receiving insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Use in cases of insulin overdose or accidental ingestion.
• Treatment of hypoglycemia during anesthesia or surgery.
• Support for patients with adrenal insufficiency experiencing low blood sugar.
• Use as a diagnostic aid in evaluating pancreatic alpha‑cell function.
• Administration in cases of severe malnutrition‑related hypoglycemia.
• The medication is delivered as a ready‑to‑use solution that can be given quickly by injection.

Glucagen may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are transient and related to its pharmacologic action.

Common

• Nausea or vomiting
• Flushing or warmth sensation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild abdominal discomfort
• Transient increase in blood pressure
• Sweating
• Feeling of anxiety
• Tremor
• Cold extremities
• Mild chest discomfort
• Transient visual disturbances
• Mild fatigue

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or palpitations
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) leading to fainting
• Seizures
• Severe hypoglycemia rebound
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Pulmonary edema
• Stroke
• Severe hyperglycemia
• Renal impairment
• Multi-organ failure
• Severe metabolic acidosis
• Transient visual disturbances
• Stroke
• Severe metabolic acidosis

When using Glucagen, healthcare providers should observe specific precautions to ensure safe and effective administration.

• Verify hypoglycemia before administration; avoid use if blood glucose is >70 mg/dL.
• Use only in emergency situations where oral carbohydrate intake is impossible.
• Ensure correct reconstitution and dosage according to prescribing information.
• Monitor patient vital signs after injection, especially heart rate and blood pressure.
• Store the product according to temperature guidelines to maintain potency.
• Educate patients and caregivers on proper injection technique and emergency use.

Glucagen can interact with certain medications and clinical conditions; awareness of these interactions helps prevent adverse outcomes.

Avoid

• Concurrent use with beta‑blockers that may mask tachycardia symptoms.
• Administration together with other glucagon‑like agents that could cause excessive hyperglycemia.
• Use in patients receiving high‑dose insulin infusions without appropriate monitoring.
• Co‑administration with vasopressors may exacerbate peripheral vasoconstriction.
• Concurrent use with oral contraceptives may alter glucagon metabolism.

Use with caution

• Patients with cardiovascular disease; monitor for arrhythmias.
• Individuals with pheochromocytoma; risk of hypertensive crisis.
• Pregnant or lactating women; limited safety data, consider risk‑benefit.
• Patients with renal impairment; dosage adjustment may be required.
• Individuals with hepatic disease; reduced glycogen stores may affect response.