About glucagon
Pancreatic hormone; hyperglycemia treatment
Used for
- Severe low blood sugar when a person cannot take sugar by mouth.
- Diagnostic aid to temporarily slow stomach movement during imaging or procedures.
Usual adult dose
Severe hypoglycemia: 1 mg injected into a muscle or under the skin; diagnostic use varies by procedure.
Usual dose in children
Severe hypoglycemia: 0.5 mg if under 25 kg, or 1 mg if 25 kg or more, injected into a muscle or under the skin.
Common side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Injection-site reactions
- Temporary increase in blood pressure or heart rate
Important warnings
- For severe hypoglycemia, give carbohydrates once the person can swallow safely.
- May be less effective after prolonged fasting or with depleted liver glycogen.
- Diagnostic use can cause low blood sugar afterward.
- Seek emergency care if the person does not respond promptly.
Pregnancy
Used when needed for severe hypoglycemia; available evidence has not identified a clear fetal risk.
Breastfeeding
Glucagon is expected to be broken down in the digestive tract; significant exposure to a nursing infant is unlikely.
Interactions
- Insulin may reduce glucagon’s blood-sugar-raising effect.
- Warfarin effects may increase.
- Beta blockers may cause a temporary rise in heart rate or blood pressure.
- Indomethacin may reduce the blood-sugar response or cause low blood sugar.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.