Glucagen (Glucagon)

Glucagen is indicated for acute management of conditions that require a rapid rise in blood glucose.

• Treatment of severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes when oral glucose is ineffective or unavailable.
• Emergency reversal of insulin‑induced hypoglycemia in unconscious or non‑responsive individuals.
• Off‑label use for suspected beta‑blocker overdose to counteract prolonged hypoglycemia.
• Supportive therapy in cases of prolonged fasting or glycogen storage disease where glucose cannot be maintained.
• Use in diagnostic testing for adrenal insufficiency when a glucagon stimulation test is required.

Glucagen may cause a range of physiological responses after injection, varying from mild to severe.

Common

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Flushing or warmth sensation.
• Headache.
• Transient rise in blood pressure.
• Local injection site pain or erythema.

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with difficulty breathing or swelling.
• Persistent hyperglycemia requiring medical intervention.
• Cardiac arrhythmias in patients with underlying heart disease.

When prescribing or administering Glucagen, clinicians should consider several safety factors to minimize risk.

• Verify the patient’s diagnosis of hypoglycemia and rule out contraindications such as pheochromocytoma.
• Use caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to glucagon or any excipients.
• Monitor blood glucose closely after administration to avoid overshoot hyperglycemia.
• Adjust dose in pediatric patients according to weight and clinical response.
• Avoid use in patients with severe cardiovascular disease without specialist consultation.
• Ensure proper reconstitution and avoid contamination of the vial.

Glucagen can interact with other medications, influencing its effectiveness or safety profile.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of beta‑adrenergic antagonists that may blunt the glucose‑raising effect.
• Co‑administration with insulin analogs in excess, which can precipitate recurrent hypoglycemia.

Use with caution

• Oral hypoglycemic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas) that may require dose adjustment after glucagon administration.
• Medications that affect cardiac conduction (e.g., quinidine) due to potential arrhythmia risk.
• Steroids or catecholamines that may amplify hyperglycemic response.