Glucagon Dosage

Medically reviewed on July 25, 2016.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypoglycemia

Less than 20 kg: 0.5 mg (0.5 unit) subcutaneous, IM or IV.

20 kg or more: 1 mg (1 unit) subcutaneous, IM or IV.

Usual Adult Dose for Diagnostic

Diagnostic aid in radiographic examination of stomach, duodenum, and small bowel when diminished intestinal motility would be advantageous:

0.25 to 2 mg IV or 1 to 2 mg IM.

Diagnostic aid in radiographic examination of colon when diminished intestinal motility would be advantageous:

2 mg (2 units) IM approximately 10 minutes prior to the procedure

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypoglycemia

Neonates:
0.02 to 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneous, IM, or IV (maximum dose: 1 mg); Note: Wide variance in doses exists between manufacturers labeling and published case reports.
Neonates: continuous IV infusion: 1 mg infused over 24 hours; doses greater than 0.02 mg/kg/hour did not produce additional benefit.
Children:
Less than 20 Kg: 0.5 mg (0.5 unit) or a dose equivalent to 20 to 30 mcg/Kg.
20 Kg or more : 1 mg (1 unit) subcutaneous, IM, or IV

Renal Dose Adjustments

Exercise caution and select the low end of the dosage range.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Exercise caution and select the low end of the dosage range.

Dose Adjustments

0.5 mg (0.5 units) IV or 2 mg (2 units) IM are recommended for examinations of the stomach since it is less sensitive to the effects of glucagon.

Dose and route of administration may vary depending on the onset of action and approximate duration of effect required for the examination. Doses of 0.25 to 0.5 mg (0.25 to 0.5 units) and 2 mg (2 units) administered IV reached an onset of action in 1 minute with a duration of effect lasting 9 to 17 minutes and 22 to 25 minutes, respectively. Doses of 1 mg IM reached an onset of action in 8 to 10 minutes with a duration of effect lasting 12 to 27 minutes. A dose of 2 mg (2 units) IM reached an onset of action in 4 to 7 minutes with a duration of effect lasting 21 to 32 minutes.

Precautions

Glucagon should not be used at concentrations greater than 1 mg/mL.

Glucagon is contraindicated for use in patients with known pheochromocytoma.

Generalized allergic reactions, including urticaria, respiratory distress, and hypotension, have been reported in patients who received glucagon by injection.

Blood glucose measures should be obtained to follow a patient with hypoglycemia until the patient is asymptomatic.

Supplementary carbohydrate should be given after the patient responds to restore liver glycogen and to prevent secondary hypoglycemia.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Supplementary carbohydrate should be given as soon as possible, especially to a pediatric patient.

An unconscious patient will usually awaken within 15 minutes following the glucagon injection.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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