Glucagon
Pronunciation: (gloo-KA-gon).
- Generic name
- Glucagon
- Brand names
- Glucagon Samarth, Baqsimi, Glucagon Neon, Gvoke, GlucaGen, Glucagon Novo Nordisk
- Drug class
- Endocrine & Hormonal
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Glucagon is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Glucagon works
Glucagon is a polypeptide hormone that increases blood glucose by stimulating hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. It binds to glucagon receptors on hepatocytes, activating adenylate cyclase and increasing cyclic AMP, which in turn activates enzymes responsible for glycogen breakdown and glucose release. (1) (2)
What Glucagon is used for
Severe hypoglycemia
Severe hypoglycemia (2)
Beta-blocker overdose
Beta-blocker overdose (2)
Calcium channel blocker overdose
Calcium channel blocker overdose (2)
Radiologic studies of the gastrointestinal tract
Radiologic studies of the gastrointestinal tract (2)
Before taking Glucagon
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Hypersensitivity to glucagon or excipients, pheochromocytoma, insulinoma, glucagonoma. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Glucagon
- General Instructions: Glucagon should be administered as soon as possible when severe hypoglycemia is suspected and the person cannot safely swallow. It is usually given by a trained caregiver or healthcare professional.. Adult Dosing: For severe hypoglycemia: 1 mg injected subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. Intranasal dose: 3 mg (Baqsimi).. Pediatric Dosing: Children weighing less than 20 kg: 0.5 mg by injection. Children weighing 20 kg or more: 1 mg by injection. Intranasal dose: 3 mg for children aged 4 years and older.. Administration: Inject into the upper arm, thigh, or buttock, or use the nasal spray as directed. Turn the person on their side after administration to prevent choking if vomiting occurs.. When To Stop: The person can eat or drink once they regain consciousness and can safely swallow; seek emergency medical help after every use so the treating clinician can advise on any further care.. Storage: Store at room temperature (below 25°C/77°F) in the original packaging. Do not freeze. Use immediately after mixing. Discard any unused portion.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
Glucagon is used as needed for emergencies and does not have a regular dosing schedule. If a dose is missed during an emergency, administer as soon as possible.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, high blood sugar, and low potassium. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if overdose is suspected. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypotension
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Tachycardia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Rebound hypoglycemia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
For emergency use only—seek medical help after every administration so the treating clinician can assess and advise on further care — serious
Symptoms: For emergency use only—seek medical help after every administration so the treating clinician can assess and advise on further care. May cause vomiting; position patient on their side. Not effective in people with depleted liver glycogen (e.g., prolonged fasting, adrenal insufficiency). Use caution in patients with insulinoma or pheochromocytoma. May interact with certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, indomethacin).
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to glucagon or excipients, pheochromocytoma, insulinoma, glucagonoma. Precautions: Use with caution in patients with adrenal insufficiency, chronic hypoglycemia, or hepatic glycogen depletion (e.g., prolonged fasting, starvation, Addison's disease).
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Glucagon may interact with beta-blockers (increasing heart rate and blood pressure changes), indomethacin (may reduce effectiveness), and anticoagulants (increased risk of bleeding at injection site). Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Case reports and observational studies over decades of use have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal/fetal outcomes; small studies also show glucagon does not cross the human placenta during early gestation. It can be used in pregnancy for emergency severe hypoglycemia as directed by a clinician. (2)
Breastfeeding
There is no data on whether glucagon appears in human or animal milk. Because glucagon is a peptide hormone, it would be expected to be broken down into amino acids in an infant's digestive tract and is considered unlikely to harm a breastfed infant if exposed. (2)
Children
Frequency: May repeat every 15-20 minutes as needed.. Weight Based: 0.5 mg for children weighing less than 20 kg; 1 mg for children weighing 20 kg or more.. Max Daily Dose: As determined by clinical response; repeat doses may be given if necessary.. Max Single Dose: 1 mg for children weighing 20 kg or more; 0.5 mg for children less than 20 kg.. Age Restrictions: Not recommended for pediatric use in children under 2 years of age; safety not established in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
FDA labeling for glucagon nasal powder does not provide specific renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing guidance; no adjustment is described in current labeling. Discuss individual risk with the prescriber, since glucagon is not effective when liver glycogen stores are depleted (e.g., prolonged fasting, adrenal insufficiency, starvation). (2)
Hepatic_impairment
FDA labeling for glucagon nasal powder does not provide specific renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing guidance; no adjustment is described in current labeling. Discuss individual risk with the prescriber, since glucagon is not effective when liver glycogen stores are depleted (e.g., prolonged fasting, adrenal insufficiency, starvation). (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Injectable glucagon: store at room temperature (below 25C/77F) in the original packaging; do not freeze; use immediately after mixing and discard any unused portion. Nasal powder (e.g., Baqsimi): store at temperatures up to 30C (86F) in the shrink-wrapped tube provided and keep sealed until ready to use, since opening exposes it to moisture that can reduce effectiveness. Storage differs by product form.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Severe hypoglycemia
Dose summary: Initial dose of 1 mg administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously.
Renal context: No specific renal-impairment dosing guidance is provided in current FDA labeling; no adjustment is described. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is glucagon used for?
Glucagon is primarily used to treat severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar) in people with diabetes who are unable to safely eat or drink. It may also be used during certain diagnostic procedures to relax the stomach or intestines.
How quickly does glucagon work?
Glucagon typically begins to raise blood sugar within 10–15 minutes after administration. If there is no response within 15 minutes, seek emergency medical help.
Can glucagon be given to children?
Yes, glucagon can be safely given to children in age- and weight-appropriate doses. Caregivers should be trained in its use and follow pediatric dosing guidelines.
What should I do after giving glucagon?
After giving glucagon, turn the person on their side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs. Once they are awake and able to swallow, give a fast-acting carbohydrate (like juice or glucose gel) followed by a snack. Always seek emergency medical help after use.
Are there any people who should not receive glucagon?
Glucagon should not be used in people with known allergies to glucagon, pheochromocytoma, insulinoma, or glucagonoma. Consult a healthcare provider if you are unsure.
Can glucagon be used for weight loss?
No, glucagon is not approved or recommended for weight loss. It is intended for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia.
How should glucagon be stored?
Store glucagon at room temperature in its original packaging. Do not freeze. Use immediately after mixing and discard any unused portion.
What happens if I take too much Glucagon?
Taking too much Glucagon can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While generally well-tolerated, excessive doses can cause hyperglycemia. If you suspect an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Glucagon?
Drinking alcohol while using Glucagon is generally not recommended. Alcohol can interfere with blood sugar regulation, potentially masking or exacerbating hypoglycemic episodes. Since Glucagon is used to treat low blood sugar, alcohol consumption could complicate treatment and make it harder to stabilize glucose levels. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Is Glucagon safe during pregnancy?
Decades of observational data have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or adverse pregnancy outcomes with glucagon, and it does not appear to cross the placenta in early pregnancy. It can be used for emergency severe hypoglycemia in pregnancy as directed by a healthcare provider.
What is the mechanism of action of Glucagon?
Glucagon is a polypeptide hormone that increases blood glucose by stimulating hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. It binds to glucagon receptors on hepatocytes, activating adenylate cyclase and increasing cyclic AMP, which in turn activates enzymes responsible for glycogen breakdown and glucose release. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Glucagon?
The generic name is Glucagon. It is sold under brand names including Glucagon Samarth, Baqsimi, Glucagon Neon, Gvoke, GlucaGen, Glucagon Novo Nordisk.
What class of drug is Glucagon?
Glucagon is classed as: Endocrine & Hormonal.
References
- Glucagon — clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- BAQSIMI (glucagon) nasal powder — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- GLUCAGON KIT [SPORTPHARM LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Glucagon — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA204468)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Glucagon — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 253170)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Glucagon names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Gvoke Kit.5 mg/.1mL, 1 mg/.2mL · xeris pharmaceuticals, inc.
- Baqsimi3 mg · amphastar pharmaceuticals, inc.
- Gvoke PFS 1 mg Pre-filled Syringe1 mg/.2mL · xeris pharmaceuticals, inc.
Canada
- GLUCAGEN
- GLUCAGEN HYPOKIT