glucagon at a glance
Medicine class
Glycogen-releasing pancreatic hormone
Main emergency use
Severe hypoglycaemia in insulin-treated adults and children
Administration
The emergency-kit powder is mixed with its solvent immediately before subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
Preparation
Use only if the mixed solution is clear and free from visible particles; use it immediately.
What is glucagon used for?
Licensed uses include:
Emergency treatment of severe hypoglycaemic reactions in insulin-treated adults and children with diabetes.
In adults, inhibition of gastrointestinal movement during certain diagnostic examinations, administered by medical personnel.
How does glucagon work?
Glucagon acts mainly on the liver, converting stored glycogen into glucose and releasing it into the bloodstream. This requires usable liver glycogen stores. It also relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle, explaining its diagnostic use.
How to take glucagon
The emergency kit should be used by someone trained to prepare and inject it. Follow the pack instructions to transfer the solvent into the powder vial, mix gently until clear, withdraw the solution and inject as trained.
Put an unconscious person in the recovery position and give nothing by mouth.
Use the mixed solution immediately and discard any remainder.
Once fully awake and able to swallow safely, give oral carbohydrate to restore liver glycogen and reduce the risk of another hypo.
Contact the diabetes team or another healthcare professional after a severe hypo to review its cause and prevention.
glucagon side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea is common.
- Vomiting and abdominal pain can occur but are less common.
- Injection-site reactions have been reported.
Get urgent medical advice
- Seek urgent help for possible anaphylaxis, including breathing difficulty, swelling, widespread rash, faintness or collapse.
- During diagnostic use, marked blood-pressure changes, a rapid heartbeat or severe hypoglycaemia require prompt clinical assessment.
glucagon in pregnancy
The selected UK product can be used during pregnancy. Pregnancy may alter or reduce usual hypo warning symptoms, so partners or family members should know where the kit is and how to use it.
glucagon while breastfeeding
The selected UK product can be used while breastfeeding. Very little glucagon is expected to enter milk, and swallowed glucagon is broken down in the infant's digestive tract.
glucagon interactions
Relevant product-specific interactions include:
Insulin
Insulin and glucagon have opposing effects on blood glucose.
Indomethacin
Glucagon may fail to raise blood glucose and may occasionally worsen hypoglycaemia.
Warfarin
Glucagon may increase warfarin's anticoagulant effect.
Beta-blockers
A temporary greater rise in pulse and blood pressure may occur, particularly in coronary artery disease.
Common questions about glucagon
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
When should a glucagon emergency kit be used?
For severe hypoglycaemia when an insulin-treated person cannot safely take glucose by mouth, particularly if unconscious or unable to cooperate.
Can glucagon be given to an unconscious person?
Yes. Place the person in the recovery position, give nothing by mouth and have a trained person administer the injection while following emergency guidance.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.