Glucagon
Generic Name: glucagon
Brand Names:
Glucagon
11 DESCRIPTION Glucagon is an antihypoglycemic agent and a gastrointestinal motility inhibitor. Glucagon is synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis. The chemical structure of the glucagon is identical to human glucagon. Glucagon is a single-chain polypeptide that contains 29 amino acid residues and has a molecular weight of 3483 Daltons. The empirical formula is C 153 H 225 N 43 O 49 S. The primary sequence of glucagon is shown below. Crystalline glucagon is a white to off-white powder.
Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Glucagon is an antihypoglycemic agent and a gastrointestinal motility inhibitor. Glucagon is synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis. The chemical structure of the glucagon is identical to human glucagon. Glucagon is a single-chain polypeptide that contains 29 amino acid residues and has a molecular weight of 3483 Daltons. The empirical formula is C 153 H 225 N 43 O 49 S. The primary sequence of glucagon is shown below. Crystalline glucagon is a white to off-white powder.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Glucagon for injection is an antihypoglycemic agent and a gastrointestinal motility inhibitor indicated: for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in pediatric and adult patients with diabetes. ( 1.1 ) as a diagnostic aid for use during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract in adult patients. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Severe Hypoglycemia Glucagon for injection is indicated for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in pediatric and adult patients with diabetes mellitus. 1.2 Diagnostic Aid Glucagon for injection is indicated as a diagnostic aid for use during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract in adult patients.
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dosage in adult and pediatric patients to treat severe hypoglycemia ( 2.2 ) Adults and Pediatric Patients Weighing 20 kg or More: The recommended dosage is 1 mg (1 mL) injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks, or intravenously. If there has been no response after 15 minutes, an additional 1 mg dose (1 mL) may be administered while waiting for emergency assistance. Pediatric Patients Weighing Less Than 20 kg: The recommended dosage is 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) or dose equivalent to 20 to 30 mcg/kg injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks, or intravenously.
Side Effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity and Allergic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Necrolytic Migratory Erythema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hyperglycemia in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus when Used as a Diagnostic Aid [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increase in Patients with Cardiac Disease when used as a Diagnostic Aid [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of glucagon.
Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Glucagon for Injection Beta-Blockers Clinical Impact: Patients taking beta-blockers may have a transient increase in pulse and blood pressure when given glucagon for injection. Intervention: The increase in blood pressure and heart rate may require therapy in patients with coronary artery disease. Indomethacin Clinical Impact: In patients taking indomethacin, glucagon for injection may lose its ability to raise blood glucose or may even produce hypoglycemia. Intervention: Monitor blood glucose levels during glucagon treatment of patients taking indomethacin.
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Substantial Increase in Blood Pressure in Patients with Pheochromocytoma : Contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma because glucagon for injection may stimulate the release of catecholamines from the tumor. ( 4 , 5.1 ) Hypoglycemia in Patients with Insulinoma : In patients with insulinoma, glucagon administration may produce an initial increase in blood glucose; however, glucagon for injection may stimulate exaggerated insulin release from an insulinoma and cause hypoglycemia. If a patient develops symptoms of hypoglycemia after a dose of glucagon for injection, give glucose orally or intravenously. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Glucagon for injection is contraindicated in patients with: Pheochromocytoma because of the risk of substantial increase in blood pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Insulinoma because of the risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Known hypersensitivity to glucagon or any of the excipients in glucagon for injection.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from case reports and a small number of observational studies with glucagon use in pregnant women over decades of use have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Multiple small studies have demonstrated a lack of transfer of pancreatic glucagon across the human placental barrier during early gestation.
Storage
16.2 Storage and Handling Before Reconstitution: Store glucagon for injection at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Do not use glucagon for injection if the expiration date has passed. Do not freeze. Keep in its original package and away from light. After Reconstitution: Use reconstituted glucagon for injection immediately. Discard unused portion [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glucagon used for?▼
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Glucagon for injection is an antihypoglycemic agent and a gastrointestinal motility inhibitor indicated: for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in pediatric and adult patients with diabetes. ( 1.1 ) as a diagnostic aid for use during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract in adult patients. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Severe Hypoglycemia Glucagon for injection is indicated for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in pediatric and adult patients with diabetes mellitus. 1.2 Diagnostic Aid Glucagon for injection is indicated as a diagnostic aid for use during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract in adult patients.
What are the side effects of Glucagon?▼
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity and Allergic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Necrolytic Migratory Erythema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hyperglycemia in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus when Used as a Diagnostic Aid [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increase in Patients with Cardiac Disease when used as a Diagnostic Aid [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of glucagon.
Can I take Glucagon during pregnancy?▼
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from case reports and a small number of observational studies with glucagon use in pregnant women over decades of use have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Multiple small studies have demonstrated a lack of transfer of pancreatic glucagon across the human placental barrier during early gestation.
What are the important warnings for Glucagon?▼
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Substantial Increase in Blood Pressure in Patients with Pheochromocytoma : Contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma because glucagon for injection may stimulate the release of catecholamines from the tumor. ( 4 , 5.1 ) Hypoglycemia in Patients with Insulinoma : In patients with insulinoma, glucagon administration may produce an initial increase in blood glucose; however, glucagon for injection may stimulate exaggerated insulin release from an insulinoma and cause hypoglycemia. If a patient develops symptoms of hypoglycemia after a dose of glucagon for injection, give glucose orally or intravenously. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Glucagon for injection is contraindicated in patients with: Pheochromocytoma because of the risk of substantial increase in blood pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Insulinoma because of the risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Known hypersensitivity to glucagon or any of the excipients in glucagon for injection.
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.