Glucagen

Glucagen is a prescription injectable solution containing 1 mg/mL of the peptide hormone glucagon. Marketed in the European Union, this medication is supplied as a sterile liquid for intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous administration. Glucagon acts as an antihypoglycemic agent by rapidly raising blood glucose levels, making Glucagen a standard emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia and certain drug overdoses. It is available by prescription and is not classified as a controlled substance.

Glucagen is indicated for acute medical situations that require rapid elevation of blood glucose, particularly when oral carbohydrate administration is impractical or ineffective.

- Severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes when oral glucose cannot be given or is ineffective. - Emergency treatment of insulin overdose to quickly restore normal glucose levels. - Management of beta‑blocker or calcium‑channel blocker overdose where hypoglycemia may be precipitated. - Pre‑hospital care of unconscious or non‑responsive patients with documented low blood sugar. - Situations requiring rapid glucose increase during surgical or procedural sedation.

The safety profile of Glucagen reflects its mechanism of rapidly increasing blood glucose; most adverse events are mild and transient.

Common: - Nausea or vomiting - Abdominal discomfort or pain - Flushing or warmth sensation - Headache - Injection‑site pain, redness, or swelling - Transient dizziness

Serious: - Allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, urticaria, or angioedema - Marked hyperglycemia leading to osmotic diuresis - Cardiovascular effects including tachycardia, hypertension, or arrhythmias - Rare seizures or neurologic changes - Severe hypotension in susceptible individuals

Glucagen should be used with awareness of specific clinical considerations to minimize risk.

- Verify hypoglycemia with a blood glucose measurement before administration when possible. - Use caution in patients with known glucagon allergy or previous severe reactions. - Monitor cardiac status in patients with underlying heart disease, as rapid glucose shifts can affect heart rate and blood pressure. - Adjust dose or avoid use in patients with pheochromocytoma or adrenal medullary tumors. - Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should receive Glucagen only if the benefit outweighs potential risk, as safety data are limited. - Store the product according to label instructions; avoid freezing and protect from light.

Glucagen may interact with other medications that affect glucose metabolism or cardiovascular function.

Avoid: - Concurrent use of high‑dose insulin or insulin secretagogues without close glucose monitoring. - Beta‑blockers or calcium‑channel blockers in overdose situations where glucagon may mask symptoms.

Use with caution: - Oral hypoglycemic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that could cause rebound hypoglycemia. - Medications that prolong QT interval, as rapid glucose changes may exacerbate arrhythmias. - Drugs that affect hepatic glycogen stores, such as corticosteroids, which may alter glucagon effectiveness. - Anticholinergic agents that could blunt the typical side‑effects of glucagon.