About glucagon
Pancreatic hormone; glucose-raising agent
Used for
- Emergency treatment of severe low blood sugar in people with diabetes
- Temporary slowing of stomach and bowel movement during certain diagnostic procedures
Usual adult dose
Severe low blood sugar: 1 mg injected into a muscle or under the skin; diagnostic procedures: usually 0.2–2 mg intravenously or 1 mg intramuscularly.
Usual dose in children
Severe low blood sugar: 0.5 mg for children under 25 kg or under 6–8 years; otherwise 1 mg. Diagnostic dosing depends on the procedure.
Common side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Injection-site reactions
- Temporary increase in heart rate or blood pressure
Important warnings
- Give carbohydrates once the person can swallow, because low blood sugar can return.
- It may not work well when liver glycogen is depleted, such as during prolonged fasting or adrenal insufficiency.
- Use caution in people with adrenal tumours or insulin-producing tumours.
- For severe hypoglycaemia, emergency medical help is still needed.
Pregnancy
May be used for severe hypoglycaemia when needed; available information has not identified a major risk to the fetus.
Breastfeeding
Glucagon is broken down in the digestive tract, so exposure to a nursing infant is expected to be very low.
Interactions
- Beta-blockers may increase heart rate and blood pressure changes.
- Warfarin effects may be increased.
- Indomethacin may reduce its glucose-raising effect.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.