Glucagon or glucagon is a synthetic hormone used to treat very low blood sugar levels in diabetics which use insulin. This drug can also be used for help facilitate radiological examination of the digestive tract.
To increase blood sugar (glucose), glucagon works by triggering the liver to convert stored sugar (glycogen) into glucose, then release it into the bloodstream. To assist radiological procedures, glucagon will work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, so that peristaltic movements stop for a while.
Glucagon Trademarks: -
What is Glucagon
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Glycogenolytic agents |
| Benefit | Treats hypoglycemia in diabetics and helps reduce digestive tract movement for radiological examinations |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Glucagon for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Glucagon
Glucagon can only be given by a doctor or medical personnel on the advice of a doctor. Note the following points before using glucagon:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Glucagon should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of pancreatic tumors (insulinoma), low blood sugar levels that recur frequently, a poor diet, heart disease, liver disease, uremia, or an adrenal gland disorder, such as Addison's disease or pheochromocytoma.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect, after using glucagon.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Glucagon
The dose of glucagon can be different for each patient. In general, the following is a breakdown of glucagon dosages based on their intended use:
Purpose: Treat severe hypoglycemia in insulin-treated diabetics
- Mature: 1 mg intramuscular/IM, subcutaneous/SC, or intravenous/IV injection. Glucagon can be given again every 15 minutes 1-2 times.
- Children >6 years old: 1 mg IM, SC, or IV injection. Glucagon can be given back after 15 minutes.
- Children aged <6 years: 0.5 mg IM, SC, or IV injection. Glucagon can be given back after 15 minutes.
Purpose: Assist in radiological examination of the digestive tract of adults
- To stop the movement of the stomach and small intestine: 0.2–0.5 mg IV injection over 1 minute or 1 mg IM injection.
- To stop colonic movement: 0.5–0.75 mg IV injection over 1 minute or 1-2 mg IM injection.
How to Use Glucagon Correctly
Glucagon will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Glucagon injections will usually be done in a health facility or hospital.
Glucagon is available as an injection and is given by injection into a muscle (intramuscular/IM), a vein (intravenous/IV), or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC). After the injection, the patient needs to lie on his side to avoid choking if he vomits.
The use of glucagon can cause changes in blood sugar levels, including low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) or even high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
You will be asked to check your blood sugar levels regularly. Follow your doctor's recommendations and advice while you are on treatment with glucagon.
Glucagon Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of glucagon with certain drugs has the potential to cause drug interactions, such as:
- Increased risk of developing hypoglycemia when used with indomethacin
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure when used with beta-blockers
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal disturbances when used with atropine or ipratropium
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with warfarin
- Decreased therapeutic effect of glucagon when used with injectable insulin
Glucagon Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that can occur due to the use of glucagon are:
- Irritation, redness, or swelling, at the injection site
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
Immediately see a doctor if the above side effects do not improve or get worse. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or serious side effects, such as:
- Tachycardia or heart palpitations
- Difficult to breathe
- Stomach ache
- Loss of consciousness
