Glucagon is a glycogenolytic drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved for treating severe hypoglycemia.

Glucagon is used when a person with diabetes becomes unconscious due to very low blood sugar, a condition known as severe hypoglycemia. This medication is administered when the individual is unable to consume sugar orally.

Glucagon is usually administered as an intramuscular injection (into a muscle). However, it can also be given subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously, depending on the specific situation and the healthcare provider's judgment.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Glucagon are nausea and vomiting. Some serious side effects include allergic reactions (sweating, wheezing, rapid heartbeat, swelling in the face, falling very ill).

Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to this drug and its ingredients. Glucagon should not be used if you have a tumor in your adrenal gland. Certain medical conditions can interact with the effects of this drug, and using it in this situation may not be safe. Before initiating the treatment, inform your physician if you are fasting. This drug may not work effectively if you have been fasting for an extended period. This is because the body's glycogen stores (a source of glucose) may be depleted during prolonged fasting.

Notify your physician if you have low blood sugar due to excessive alcohol consumption and low adrenaline levels. These conditions can affect the drug's effectiveness, and the response can be reduced. Hence, administering Glucagon in this situation should be discussed with a physician. You can use this drug if you experience very low blood sugar during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, it's essential to consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 

Maintain a record of Glucagon administrations, including the date, time, and circumstances. This information can be valuable for both the patient and healthcare providers in managing diabetes. Check the expiration date regularly to ensure that the drug is still effective. Replace it if it has expired. Avoid exposing the drug to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.

1. Novo Nordisk, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Nov 2022] [Accessed on 20th Sep 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1289.pdf
2. Lilly USA, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2018] [Accessed on 20th Sep 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020928s055lbl.pdf
3. KD Tripathi, Insulin, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Oral Hypoglycaemic Drugs and Glucagon, 7th edition, 2013,258-266.
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Endocrine Pancreas and Pharmacotherapy of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypoglycaemia, 12th edition, 2011,1270-1271.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.