Glucagon

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

GlucaGen

Drug group:

Drug for diabetes – antihypoglycaemic agent

Prescription needed?

Yes, only administered by medical personnel

What does it do?

Injectable synthetic glucagon can be used in the following situations:

• Emergency treatment for hypoglycaemia in unconscious diabetic patients on insulin
• Used to test bowel motility - it blocks the activity of smooth muscle in the intestines
• Used to treat severe beta-blocker overdoses - it stimulates contraction of heart muscle

How does it work?

• Glucagon is a hormone normally produced by the pancreas
• It has the opposite effect on blood sugar to insulin – it raises blood sugar
• It mobilizes liver stores of glycogen, which is released into the bloodstream as glucose
• It will not work when the liver ’s glycogen stores are depleted - extreme fasting/starvation, alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia, or impaired adrenal gland function

What is the typical dosage?

Glucagon is usually only administered by medical personnel.

• Hypoglycaemia: Single intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (1mg)
• Bowel motility testing: Single intravenous injection

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 10 minutes
                         

How long will the effects last?

Intramuscular/subcutaneous injection: up to 40 minutes, intravenous injection: 20 minutes
             

When should I stop using it?

Not applicable as the drug is for one-off use only
                           

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Not applicable as the drug is for one-off use only                                              

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• Emergency treatment for hypoglycaemia: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, swelling of the lips or tongue
• Diagnostic purposes: symptoms of hypoglycaemia (dizziness, sweating, confusion), low blood pressure, palpitations

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: heart problems, phaeochromocytoma, insulinoma or glucagonoma, allergy to glucagon or lactose
• Other medicines: Insulin, indomethacin, warfarin
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No evidence of risk
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: Increased likelihood of adverse effects
• Driving and hazardous work: Avoid until all signs of hypoglycaemia have disappeared
• Alcohol: Avoid until blood sugar levels are normal