Glucagon
About Glucagon
Glucagon is an emergency injection used to treat severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes who have passed out or are unable to swallow sugar by mouth. It is also used during diagnostic medical imaging tests to temporarily relax the muscles of the stomach and bowels. This medicine serves as a critical rescue treatment to quickly restore safe blood sugar levels during a medical emergency.
Because Glucagon is an emergency medication, it is not used on a regular daily schedule and is only injected when a severe low blood sugar episode occurs. Since you cannot inject this medicine yourself if you are unconscious, it is vital that your family, friends, or coworkers learn how and when to inject it for you. Regular blood sugar monitoring and eating balanced meals at consistent times can help prevent the severe drops in blood sugar that require this rescue treatment.
The most common side effects of Glucagon include temporary nausea and vomiting, which can occur as you regain consciousness. While these symptoms are usually mild and pass quickly, you must seek immediate medical help if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as a severe skin rash, rapid heartbeat, or trouble breathing.
Do not take this if you have a tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma) or a tumor of the pancreas (insulinoma). Before an emergency arises, talk to your doctor if you have chronic low blood sugar, have been fasting for a long period, or have problems with your adrenal glands, as this medicine may not work as effectively under these conditions.
This injection can interact with blood thinners, which may increase your risk of bleeding, so dose adjustments or extra monitoring may be needed. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing diabetes in an elderly family member, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure you understand how to safely use this medicine in an emergency.
Uses of Glucagon
Medicinal Benefits
Glucagon provides rapid, life-saving treatment for severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and supports certain diagnostic procedures involving the digestive tract. The primary benefits include:
- Rapidly raises blood sugar levels: Glucagon quickly increases blood glucose levels during severe hypoglycemia, helping restore consciousness in people who are unconscious, having seizures, or unable to swallow safely.
- Helps prevent serious complications: Prompt treatment helps reduce the risk of brain injury, prolonged unconsciousness, and physical injuries that can result from severe low blood sugar.
- Supports emergency treatment outside the hospital: Glucagon enables trained caregivers or family members to provide immediate treatment while awaiting emergency medical assistance, improving the chances of a faster recovery.
- Improves diagnostic imaging: During certain medical imaging procedures, Glucagon temporarily relaxes the muscles of the stomach and intestines, reducing bowel movement and helping doctors obtain clearer, more accurate diagnostic images.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Glucagon will be administered by the doctor or healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Glucagon
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Temporary fast or pounding heartbeat
- Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing)
- Very fast or irregular heartbeat that does not slow down
- Severe dizziness, confusion, or fainting
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the liquid: Always check the prepared solution before injecting. It must be clear and colorless; do not inject it if it looks cloudy, thick, or has changed color.
- Never reuse needles: Use a sterile, single-use needle and syringe for each injection to avoid infection, and discard them immediately in a puncture-proof sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites: If you must give multiple injections over time, choose a different spot (such as the opposite arm or thigh) to prevent skin and tissue irritation.
- Roll the patient on their side: Always place an unconscious person on their side after injecting Glucagon to protect their airway in case they vomit.
- Always call for emergency help: Even if the person wakes up and feels better after the injection, you must call emergency services immediately for a full medical evaluation.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact with Glucagon:
- Blood thinners (such as warfarin): Glucagon can increase the blood-thinning effect, which may raise your risk of bleeding.
- Beta-blockers: Using these blood pressure medicines can cause a brief, sharp rise in your heart rate and blood pressure when Glucagon is injected.
- Indomethacin: This pain medication can stop Glucagon from raising your blood sugar effectively, or it may cause a sudden blood sugar drop shortly afterward.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Glucagon as it may cause low blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy
cautionGlucagon is a Category B pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Glucagon is excreted in human milk. Please consult a doctor before using Glucagon if you are breastfeeding mother.
Driving
cautionDrive only if you are alert after taking Glucagon.
Liver
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Glucagon in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Glucagon in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionGlucagon should be used in children only as advised by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Check blood sugar regularly: Monitor your blood glucose levels multiple times a day as directed by your doctor, especially before driving, exercising, or going to bed, to catch falling levels early.
- Carry fast-acting sugars: Always keep quick sources of sugar with you, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or hard candies, to treat mild low blood sugar before it turns into an emergency.
- Eat consistent meals: Do not skip meals or snacks, especially if you take insulin or other blood-sugar-lowering medications, as this is a common cause of severe low blood sugar.
- Plan for exercise: Physical activity can lower blood sugar levels hours after you finish. Check your levels before exercising and eat a snack beforehand if your sugar is low.
- Train your support system: Educate family, friends, classmates, and coworkers on how to recognize the signs of severe hypoglycemia and how to inject Glucagon quickly.
Special Advise
It is advised to give the patient snacks containing high sugars such as biscuits, sweets, or fruit juice as soon as they regain consciousness and can swallow to prevent low blood sugar from occurring again.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypoglycemia: It is defined as low blood glucose levels which require assistance from another person to treat. It is an emergency condition that requires immediate medical attention and occurs in diabetic people taking insulin and other anti-diabetic medicines. The symptoms include loss of consciousness, fits, confusion or intense nightmares while asleep. The risk of severe hypoglycemia in diabetic patients increases if the regular meal is delayed or missed, insulin overdose, alcohol intake, or exercise is done without proper medication reduction.
FAQs
Glucagon is used to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in diabetic patients.
Glucagon contains Glucagon that helps liver to convert glycogen into glucose (sugar) which is then released into the blood stream. Thus, Glucagon increases blood sugar levels.
You are not recommended to take Glucagon with warfarin as it may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, please consult a doctor before using Glucagon with other medicines so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately or alternate medicine may be prescribed.
Glucagon should be used with caution in children and doses as advised by a doctor only.
You recommend avoiding taking Glucagon if you have a tumour of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma) or pancreas (insulinoma) and allergic to lactose or glucose.
Glucagon may cause high blood pressure and increase pulse as temporary effects. However, if it lasts for a long time or worsens, please consult a doctor.
Glucagon usually begins to raise blood sugar and restore consciousness within 10 to 15 minutes of being injected. If the person does not wake up within 15 minutes, seek emergency medical help immediately. Talk to your doctor for personalised emergency instructions.
Yes, Glucagon is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed for severe low blood sugar emergencies. It does not harm the baby or pass into breast milk in significant amounts. Talk to your doctor to ensure this is noted in your pregnancy care plan.
Immediately turn the person onto their side to prevent choking in case they vomit, and call emergency services. Once they are awake and able to swallow, give them a fast-acting sugar followed by a light snack. Talk to your doctor to learn more about emergency care.
Most emergency kits are designed to be stored at room temperature, though some can be refrigerated. Check your specific product carton for exact storage instructions, and never freeze the medicine. Talk to your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Glucagon relies on sugar stored in your liver to work. If your liver stores are empty—which can happen after heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged fasting, or chronic starvation—the medicine will not raise your blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about what to do in these situations.
No, you must not use the medicine if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains solid particles. The mixed solution should be completely clear and colorless. Talk to your pharmacist to get a replacement kit immediately.
No, Glucagon works in the opposite way of insulin. While insulin lowers blood sugar levels, Glucagon is used to quickly raise blood sugar levels during a severe low blood sugar emergency. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to understand how both medicines manage your diabetes.
Author Details
