Pancreatic hormone and insulin antagonist
PCP: Suspected or confirmed hypoglycemia where IV access is unavailable
ACP: Suspected beta- or calcium channel-blocker overdose
Allergy or hypersensitivity
Pheochromocytoma
PCP: Suspected or confirmed hypoglycemia where IV access in unavailable
ACP: Suspected beta- or calcium channel-blocker overdose
PCP: Suspected or confirmed hypoglycemia where IV access is unavailable
ACP: Suspected beta- or calcium channel-blocker overdose
Glucagon accelerates the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver, elevating blood glucose levels. It is only effective in treating hypoglycemia if liver glycogen is available.
Intramuscular or subcutaneous:
Nausea and vomiting can be common. Glucagon can also transiently increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Excessive parenteral administration of glucagon can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ingestion of glucagon is unlikely to result in symptoms, as it is rapidly destroyed by the gastrointestinal tract.
Glucagon must be reconstituted with the supplied diluent. Do not attempt to reconstitute or administer with normal saline.
In patients with pheochromocytoma, glucagon can cause a release of catecholamines that leads to significant hypertension and tachycardia, and may provoke an intracerebral hemorrhage.
Hypoglycemia produced by excessive alcohol consumption is unlikely to be reversible with glucagon.