Glucagen

Glucagen is an injectable solution containing the hormone glucagon. It is supplied in a dosage form for intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, with strength not specified in the EU market. As a prescription‑only product, Glucagen is used by healthcare professionals to rapidly increase blood glucose levels in emergency situations. The medication is stored in a sealed vial and must be reconstituted immediately before use according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Glucagen is indicated for acute management of conditions that require a rapid rise in blood glucose.

- Treatment of severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes when oral glucose is ineffective or unavailable. - Emergency reversal of insulin‑induced hypoglycemia in unconscious or non‑responsive individuals. - Off‑label use for suspected beta‑blocker overdose to counteract prolonged hypoglycemia. - Supportive therapy in cases of prolonged fasting or glycogen storage disease where glucose cannot be maintained. - Use in diagnostic testing for adrenal insufficiency when a glucagon stimulation test is required.

Glucagen may cause a range of physiological responses after injection, varying from mild to severe.

Common: - Nausea or vomiting. - Flushing or warmth sensation. - Headache. - Transient rise in blood pressure. - Local injection site pain or erythema.

Serious: - Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with difficulty breathing or swelling. - Persistent hyperglycemia requiring medical intervention. - Cardiac arrhythmias in patients with underlying heart disease.

When prescribing or administering Glucagen, clinicians should consider several safety factors to minimize risk.

- Verify the patient’s diagnosis of hypoglycemia and rule out contraindications such as pheochromocytoma. - Use caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to glucagon or any excipients. - Monitor blood glucose closely after administration to avoid overshoot hyperglycemia. - Adjust dose in pediatric patients according to weight and clinical response. - Avoid use in patients with severe cardiovascular disease without specialist consultation. - Ensure proper reconstitution and avoid contamination of the vial.

Glucagen can interact with other medications, influencing its effectiveness or safety profile.

Avoid: - Concurrent use of beta‑adrenergic antagonists that may blunt the glucose‑raising effect. - Co‑administration with insulin analogs in excess, which can precipitate recurrent hypoglycemia.

Use with caution: - Oral hypoglycemic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas) that may require dose adjustment after glucagon administration. - Medications that affect cardiac conduction (e.g., quinidine) due to potential arrhythmia risk. - Steroids or catecholamines that may amplify hyperglycemic response.