Glucagon
Also known as: Baqsimi, GCG, GlucaGen, Glucagon, Glucagon Emergency Kit, Gvoke, Human glucagon
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Summary
Glucagon is a 29‑amino‑acid peptide hormone used acutely to treat severe hypoglycemia by rapidly increasing plasma glucose.
Mechanism of Action
Activates the glucagon receptor (a Gs‑protein coupled receptor) in liver, stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to raise blood glucose.
Routes of Administration
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
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glucagon?
Glucagon is a 29‑amino‑acid peptide hormone used acutely to treat severe hypoglycemia by rapidly increasing plasma glucose.
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.