Glucagon

Glucagon Family HormoneRx: PrescriptionCompound: Approved

Also known as: Baqsimi, GCG, GlucaGen, Glucagon, Glucagon Emergency Kit, Gvoke, Human glucagon

Educational Only — Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before using any peptide.

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Summary

Glucagon is an approved peptide hormone that acts as an agonist at the glucagon receptor. It belongs to the glucagon and glucagon receptor agents family and is prescribed for clinical use. The drug is supplied in injectable forms (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous) and as a nasal preparation. Its pharmacologic role is to activate hepatic glucagon receptors, leading to metabolic effects that raise blood glucose. Glucagon is marketed under several names, including Baqsimi, GlucaGen, and as part of emergency kits.

Mechanism of Action

Glucagon binds to the glucagon receptor, a G‑protein‑coupled receptor primarily expressed on liver cells. Receptor activation stimulates adenylate cyclase, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP. The elevated cAMP activates protein kinase A, which phosphorylates enzymes that promote glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, thereby increasing hepatic glucose output and raising systemic blood glucose levels.

How It Is Administered

Glucagon is administered by intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous injection, or as a nasal spray. Commercial formulations include emergency injectable kits and a nasal spray device.

Routes of Administration

IntramuscularIntravenousNasalSubcutaneous

Goals & Uses

  • Diagnostic GI motility inhibitionGastroenterology / DiagnosticsHigh
  • Insulinoma localizationEndocrinology / DiagnosticsModerate
  • Pheochromocytoma diagnosisEndocrinology / DiagnosticsModerate
  • Severe hypoglycemia rescueGlycemic Emergency ManagementHigh
  • Beta-blocker overdose managementToxicology / EmergencyModerate
  • Rapid reversal of severe hypoglycemiaAcute Metabolic RescueHigh

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to glucagon or excipientsImmunology / AllergyHigh
  • InsulinomaEndocrine TumorModerate
  • PheochromocytomaEndocrine TumorModerate
  • Starvation or adrenal insufficiencyMetabolic / EndocrineModerate
  • GlucagonomaEndocrine TumorHigh

Adverse Effects

  • Rebound hypoglycemiaMetabolic / EndocrineUncommon
  • HypokalemiaElectrolyteUncommon
  • Hypersensitivity / anaphylaxisImmunologicalRare
  • Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
  • HeadacheNeurologicCommonPain in the head or upper neck
  • TremorNeurologicUncommonInvoluntary shaking
  • Nausea and vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
  • Tachycardia / hypertensionCardiovascularUncommon
  • NauseaGastrointestinalCommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
  • VomitingGastrointestinalCommonForceful expulsion of stomach contents

Drug Interactions

  • Beta-adrenergic blockersLow
  • InsulinLowMay increase risk of low blood sugar
  • Beta‑blockersModerate
  • IndomethacinLow
  • Warfarin / anticoagulantsModerate

Population Constraints

  • PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
  • Pediatric patients (neonates/infants)PediatricRelative
  • Children <2 yearsAgeRelative
  • Chronic starvation / malnutritionMetabolicRelative
  • Renal or hepatic impairmentOrgan DysfunctionRelative

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionApprovedApproved: severe hypoglycemiaSimilar formulations to US.
  • United StatesApprovedApproved: severe hypoglycemia in diabetesInjectable (subcutaneous, IM, IV) and nasal spray approved.
  • United KingdomApprovedApproved: Severe hypoglycemia, Diagnostic GI relaxationMHRA-approved; available as GlucaGen HypoKit and Baqsimi nasal powder.

Approved by the FDA as GlucaGen (Novo Nordisk) and Glucagon Emergency Kit (Eli Lilly). A nasal powder formulation (Baqsimi, Eli Lilly) is also FDA-approved. EMA approval exists for similar indications in the EU.

Evidence & Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glucagon?

Glucagon is an approved peptide hormone that acts as an agonist at the glucagon receptor. It belongs to the glucagon and glucagon receptor agents family and is prescribed for clinical use. The drug is supplied in injectable forms (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous) and as a nasal preparation. Its pharmacologic role is to activate hepatic glucagon receptors, leading to metabolic effects that raise blood glucose. Glucagon is marketed under several names, including Baqsimi, GlucaGen, and as part of emergency kits.

What is Glucagon used for?

Glucagon is educationally associated with: Diagnostic GI motility inhibition, Insulinoma localization, Pheochromocytoma diagnosis, Severe hypoglycemia rescue, Beta-blocker overdose management, Rapid reversal of severe hypoglycemia. Educational only — not medical advice.

How is Glucagon administered?

Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Intravenous, Nasal, Subcutaneous.

What are the potential side effects of Glucagon?

Reported adverse effects include: Rebound hypoglycemia, Hypokalemia, Hypersensitivity / anaphylaxis, Injection site reactions, Headache, Tremor, Nausea and vomiting, Tachycardia / hypertension, Nausea, Vomiting. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.

Who should avoid Glucagon?

Recorded contraindications: Hypersensitivity to glucagon or excipients, Insulinoma, Pheochromocytoma, Starvation or adrenal insufficiency, Glucagonoma. Consult a qualified clinician before use.

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