Glucagon Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 2, 2020.

Usual Adult Dose for Diagnostic

For relaxation of the stomach, duodenal bulb, duodenum, and small bowel:
IV: 0.2 mg to 0.5 mg IV prior to procedure
IM: 1 mg IM prior to procedure

For relaxation of the colon:
IV: 0.5 mg to 0.75 mg IV prior to procedure
IM: 1 mg to 2 mg IM prior to procedure

Comments:

• May be given IV or IM; onset of action will depend on the route of administration and the organ under examination.
• This drug is not recommended in combination with anticholinergic agents due to the possibility of increased side effects.
• After completion of the diagnostic procedure, oral carbohydrates should be given to patients who have been fasting as long as it is compatible with the procedure performed.

Use: As diagnostic aid during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypoglycemia

Glucagon Emergency Kit and GlucaGen HypoKit: 1 mg IM/IV or subcutaneously once
GVOKE Auto-Injector and Prefilled Syringes: 1 mg subcutaneously once

REPEAT DOSE: An unconscious patient will usually awaken within 15 minutes following treatment; if response is delayed, may repeat dose while waiting for emergency assistance

Nasal:
1 actuation (3 mg) into 1 nostril once

• If there is no response after 15 minutes, may administer an additional 3 mg dose from a new device while waiting for emergency assistance

Comments:

• Administer IV only under medical supervision.
• Patients should receive supplemental carbohydrates as soon as possible to restore liver glycogen and prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia.
• Patients who do not respond should receive IV glucose.

Use: For the treatment of severe hypoglycemia.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypoglycemia

Glucagon Emergency Kit and GlucaGen HypoKit:
WEIGHT-BASED DOSING:
Glucagon: Less than 20 kg: 0.5 mg (or 20 to 30 mcg/kg) IM/IV or subcutaneously once
Glucagon: 20 kg or greater: 1 mg IM/IV or subcutaneously once
GlucaGen: Less than 25 kg: 0.5 mg IM/IV or subcutaneously once
GlucaGen: 25 kg or greater: 1 mg IM/IV or subcutaneously once

AGE-BASED DOSING (when weight is unknown):
Less than 6 years: 0.5 mg IM/IV or subcutaneously once
6 years or older: 1 mg IM/IV or subcutaneously once

GVOKE Auto-Injector and Prefilled Syringes:
2 to 12 years (weight less than 45 kg): 0.5 mg subcutaneously once
2 to 12 years (weight 45 kg or greater): 1 mg subcutaneously once
12 years or older: 1 mg subcutaneously once

REPEAT DOSE: An unconscious patient will usually awaken within 15 minutes following treatment; if response is delayed, may repeat dose while waiting for emergency assistance

NASAL:
4 years or older: 1 actuation (3 mg) into 1 nostril once

• If there is no response after 15 minutes, an additional 3 mg dose from a new device may be administered while waiting for emergency assistance

Comments:

• Administer IV only under medical supervision.
• After patient has responded to treatment, supplemental carbohydrates should be given to restore liver glycogen and prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia.
• Patients who do not respond should receive IV glucose.

Uses: For the treatment of severe hypoglycemia.

• Gvoke auto-injector and prefilled syringes for subcutaneous use are indicated in patients 2 years or older; Baqisimi nasal powder is indicated in patients 4 years or older.

Renal Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Liver Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Dose Adjustments

Elderly Patients: Diagnostic use: Dosing should be conservative, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to active substance or any product excipients; anaphylactic shock with breathing difficulties and hypotension have been reported
• Pheochromocytoma because of risk of substantial increase in blood pressure
• Insulinoma because of risk of hypoglycemia
• Glucagonoma (when used as a diagnostic aid) due to risk of hypoglycemia

Safety and efficacy for use as a diagnostic aid have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Safety and efficacy of nasal administration have not been established in patients younger than 4 years.
Safety and efficacy of Gvoke autoinjector and prefilled syringes have not been established in patients younger than 2 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:
Nasal Use:

• Do not push the plunger or test device prior to administration; each tube contains 1 device/1 dose; store in shrink wrapped tube until ready to use
• Administer 1 actuation into 1 nostril by inserting tip of intranasal device into 1 nostril and pressing device plunger all the way until the green line is no longer showing; the dose does not need to be inhaled
• If there is no response after 15 minutes, administer a second dose from a new device

Parenteral Use:
Glucagon Emergency Kit and GlucaGen HypoKit:

• Completely dissolve powder with diluent provided in the kit; shake vial gently until dissolved; use immediately after reconstitution; discard any unused portion; if a second injection is needed, use a new kit
• Administer IV, IM or subcutaneously; common injection sites include upper arms, thighs, or buttocks

GVOKE Auto-Injector and Prefilled Syringes:

• Do not open foil pouch until ready to administer
• Administer subcutaneously in lower abdomen, outer thigh, or outer upper arm
• Do not attempt to reuse; each device contains a single dose and cannot be reused

Treatment of Severe Hypoglycemia:

• Caregivers, family members, and school personnel may safely administer this drug after receiving proper instruction; emergency assistance should be sought immediately after administration
• An unconscious patient will usually awaken within 15 minutes following treatment; if there is no response after 15 minutes, a second dose should be given while waiting for emergency assistance

As a Diagnostic Aid: Restricted to use by medical personnel

• The GlucaGen diagnostic kits and GlucaGen 10-packs are not intended to treat severe hypoglycemia because they are not packaged with a syringe and diluent necessary for rapid preparation and administration during an emergency
• Completely dissolve powder with diluent provided or with 1 mL of sterile water for reconstitution; shake vial gently until dissolved

Storage requirements:

General:

• An unconscious person experiencing severe hypoglycemia will usually awaken within 15 minutes following glucagon administration; if response is delayed, a second dose may be administered; emergency aid should be sought so that IV glucose may be given if needed.
• Once patient has responded to treatment for severe hypoglycemia, supplemental carbohydrates should be taken as soon as possible to restore liver glycogen and prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia.
• When used as a diagnostic aid, oral carbohydrates should be given to patients who have been fasting as long as it is compatible with the procedure performed.

Monitoring:

• Severe hypoglycemia; Blood glucose should be obtained until patient is asymptomatic

Patient advice:

• Patients should be instructed to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use)
• Patients, family members, and caregivers should understand that severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency and emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately after administering glucagon.
• Patients, family members, and caregivers should be familiar with preparation and product use prior to the emergence of severe hypoglycemia; his/her physician should be informed each time a severe hypoglycemic reaction occurs.
• Patients should understand that hypoglycemia affects a person's ability to concentrate and therefore tasks that require these abilities such as driving should be avoided until the risk of hypoglycemia is minimized.

Frequently asked questions

• Are glucagon and glycogen the same thing?
• Insulin vs Glucagon - What do they have in common?
• How does the release of glucagon affect blood glucose levels?
• How much does Baqsimi cost?
• Is Baqsimi covered by Medicare?
• How long does Baqsimi last?
• How do you use Baqsimi nasal powder?
• How do you administer a glucagon injection kit?
• How do you use the GlucaGen hypokit?
• What is Gvoke (glucagon) used for and how does it work?

Further information

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

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