Glucagon
Glucagon is a hormone medication used to treat severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) by raising blood glucose levels. It works by stimulating the liver to break down stored glycogen and release glucose into the bloodstream. This emergency medication is primarily used when diabetic patients cannot take oral glucose due to unconsciousness or inability to swallow.
Glucagon is an emergency hormone injection used to rapidly raise dangerously low blood sugar in diabetic patients.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- H04AA01
- RxNorm
- 4832
- Generic
- Glucagon
- Class
- atc-h04
- Brands
- GlucaGen, Baqsimi, Gvoke
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- nasal
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, injection, powder
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1mg subcutaneously or intramuscularly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose for severe hypoglycemia
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.025-0.1 mg/kg subcutaneously or intramuscularly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose for severe hypoglycemia, max 1mg
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1mg subcutaneously or intramuscularly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose for severe hypoglycemia
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only in emergency situations when severe hypoglycemia occurs and benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only in emergency situations when severe hypoglycemia occurs
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only in emergency situations when severe hypoglycemia occurs
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
glucagon is a peptide hormone poorly absorbed orally, minimal transfer to breast milk expected
monitor infant for signs of hypoglycemia
pediatric_age
infants and childrenweight-based dosing 0.02-0.03 mg/kg subcutaneously or intramuscularly, max 1 mg
use appropriate weight-based dosing, may repeat dose after 15 minutes if needed
monitor blood glucose and vital signs closely
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment for emergency use
use with caution in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease, may cause tachycardia or blood pressure changes
monitor cardiovascular status including heart rate and blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severeno dose adjustment recommended for emergency use
use standard dosing in emergency situations, glucagon is not renally eliminated significantly
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment for emergency use
use standard dosing, glucagon is metabolized in liver but emergency use does not require adjustment
monitor liver function and blood glucose
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for glucagon products (GlucaGen, Baqsimi, Gvoke)
Drug class
Glucagon is classified as a pancreatic hormone and glucagon receptor agonist
Common uses
Primary indication is emergency treatment of severe low blood sugar
Mechanism of action
Stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to raise blood glucose levels
Treatment of severe hypoglycemia when the patient is unconscious or unable to swallow; used as an emergency medication for diabetic patients experiencing dangerous low blood sugar episodes; sometimes used during certain medical imaging procedures or to temporarily inhibit intestinal movement.
Glucagon activates hepatic glucagon receptors in the liver, stimulating the breakdown of stored glycogen (glycogenolysis) and release of glucose into the bloodstream, thereby rapidly increasing blood glucose concentration.
Requires adequate hepatic glycogen stores to be effective; administered by injection (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous); patients should receive emergency medical care after administration; caregivers should be trained on proper use; contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma, insulinoma, or known hypersensitivity to the drug.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy