Glucagon Dosage

Medically reviewed on July 25, 2018.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypoglycemia

1 mg IM/IV or subcutaneously once

An unconscious patient will usually awaken within 15 minutes following treatment; may repeat dose while waiting for emergency assistance

Comments:
-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:
Less than 20 kg: 0.5 mg (or 20 to 30 mcg/kg) IM/IV or subcutaneously once
20 kg or greater: 1 mg IM/IV or subcutaneously once

GlucaGen(R):
Less than 25 kg: 0.5 mg IM/IV or subcutaneously once
25 kg or greater: 1 mg IM/IV or subcutaneously once

Age-Based (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

An unconscious patient will usually awaken within 15 minutes following treatment; may repeat dose while waiting for emergency assistance

Comments:
-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.

Use: For the treatment of severe hypoglycemia.

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, lactose, or any other product excipient
-Pheochromocytoma
-Insulinoma

Safety and efficacy for use as a diagnostic aid has not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:
Treatment of Severe Hypoglycemia:
-May administer IV, IM or subcutaneously; common injection sites include upper arms, thighs, or buttocks
-Caregivers, family members, and school personnel may safely administer this drug after receiving proper instruction
-All individuals at risk of clinically significant hypoglycemia should have access to an unexpired glucagon kit
-Emergency assistance should be sought immediately after administration as IV glucose must be administered if patient fails to respond to this drug
-When patient responds to treatment, give fast-acting and long-acting oral carbohydrates to restore liver glycogen and prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia

For Use as a Diagnostic Aid:
-Use of this drug as a diagnostic aid is restricted to medical personnel
-The GlucaGen(R) diagnostic kits and GlucaGen(R) 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

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:
Severe Hypoglycemia:
-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
Diagnostic Aid
-Completely dissolve powder with diluent provided or with 1 mL of sterile water for reconstitution; shake vial gently until dissolved

Storage requirements:
-Store at room temperature in original package; protect from light; do not freeze
-Use immediately after reconstitution; discard any unused portion

General:
-An unconscious person experiencing severe hypoglycemia will usually awaken within 15 minutes following a glucagon injection; if response is delayed, a second injection may be administered, however, due to the serious consequences of cerebral hypoglycemia, emergency aid should be sought so that IV glucose may be given.
-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:
-Read the US FDA-approved Patient Information
-Patients, family members, and caregivers should understand that severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency; prolonged hypoglycemia may result in damage to the central nervous system.
-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.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer