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Glucagon
FDA ApprovedSince 1960
Also known as GlucaGen, Gvoke, Baqsimi
Function
Primary
Severe Hypoglycemia
Mechanism
Glucagon receptor agonist — stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis; raises blood glucose acutely.
Evidence
Clinical RCT (Phase III)
Research
Phase III comparative trials
Dosing
Range
1 mg (adult IM/SC); 0.5 mg (<20 kg)
Frequency
Single rescue dose PRN
Route
Intramuscular · Subcutaneous · Intranasal
Cycling
Single-use rescue, no cycling.
Benefits
- ·Rapid glucose elevation in unconscious hypoglycemia
- ·Intranasal autoinjector simplifies emergency use
Risks
- ·Nausea / vomiting
- ·Ineffective in glycogen-depleted states
- ·Allergic reactions
Contraindications
- ·Insulinoma
- ·Pheochromocytoma
- ·Hypersensitivity
Regulatory
FDA-Approved Rx
Cited Works
- Rickels MR et al. Intranasal Glucagon for Treatment of Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia. Diabetes Care. 2016;39:264.source