Glucagon Administration: Formulation, Potency, Usage Guidelines, and Additional Information
In the world of diabetes management, GlucaGen plays a crucial role as a prescription medication for treating severe hypoglycemia, a life-threatening condition characterized by dangerously low blood sugar levels.
GlucaGen, a brand-name drug, comes in the form of a powder in a single-dose vial. To use it, the powder is mixed with sterile water before being administered as certain types of injections. The generic version of GlucaGen is called Glucagon.
For adults, the recommended dosage for treating severe hypoglycemia is 1 mg (1 milliliter (mL) of solution), given by intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous injection, depending on the situation and the healthcare professional's advice. In individuals weighing more than 20 kg (about 45 pounds) or those aged 12 years or older, a single dose of 1 mg is administered.
The injection sites for GlucaGen are typically the upper outer arm, thigh, or buttocks. If there is no response within 15 minutes, a second dose may be given if available. It's essential to place the person in the recovery position after injection and call emergency services.
For children with severe hypoglycemia, the dosage varies based on age and weight. In such cases, a GlucaGen HypoKit is used, which contains the vial and a syringe of sterile water.
It's important to note that GlucaGen is not approved for use in children in certain radiology exams as its safety for this use is unknown. For these specific exams, the recommended dosage of GlucaGen depends on the section of the digestive tract being studied.
In some cases, GlucaGen is given as an intramuscular or IV injection by healthcare professionals for certain radiology exams.
GlucaGen belongs to a class of drugs known as glucose-elevating drugs. Overdose symptoms of GlucaGen can include increased blood pressure, increased pulse, loss of movement in the digestive tract, and low potassium level. If you believe you've taken too much GlucaGen, call your doctor right away or contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool.
An alternative formulation for treating severe hypoglycemia is Glucagon nasal powder (Baqsimi), which is used for adults and children aged 1 year and older. Dosing instructions for this product are specific to Baqsimi.
Always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor when using GlucaGen. If you have questions about the dosage that's right for you, consult your doctor. And remember, if a second dose of GlucaGen doesn't help enough, a healthcare professional may give your child GlucaGen as an IV injection.
References: 1. Drugs.com, Glucagon Patient Tips, 2025-07-29 – https://www.drugs.com/tips/glucagon-patient-tips 2. Drugs.com, Glucagon Prescribing Information, 2025-07-29 – https://www.drugs.com/pro/glucagon.html
- In the realm of medical-conditions like diabetes, GlucaGen, a glucose-elevating drug, is vital as a prescription medication for treating severe hypoglycemia, a life-threatening health-and-wellness issue.
- Alongside GlucaGen, there is another brand-name drug named Glucagon, and in radiology exams, GlucaGen's safety for use is not explicitly known, differing from certain exams that may require its administration.
- A different formulation for treating severe hypoglycemia is the Glucagon nasal powder (Baqsimi), approved for use in adults and children aged 1 year and older, administered following its specific dosing instructions.
- Besides GlucaGen, the gastrointestinal system can encounter health-and-wellness issues, and its function is closely related to the endocrine system, especially in the context of diabetes management and blood sugar levels.
- It's significant to consult medical professionals regarding the correct dosage of any glucose-elevating drugs like GlucaGen to ensure proper management of medical-conditions such as diabetes and severe hypoglycemia.
