GLUCAGON

Brand & Generic Names

Glucagon for Injection

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antihypoglycemic, diagnostic aid

Uses

• Treats low blood sugar in diabetics.
• Used as antidote for overdose of beta-adrenergic blockers, quinidine and tricyclic antidepressants.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Injection--Given under doctor's supervision.

When to take:
When there are signs of low blood sugar (anxiety; chills; cool, pale skin; hunger; nausea; tremors; sweating; weakness; unconsciousness) in diabetics who don't respond to eating some form of sugar.

If you forget a dose:
Single dose only.

What drug does:
Forces liver to make more sugar and release it into the bloodstream.

Time lapse before drug works:
For hypoglycemic condition--5 to 20 minutes.
For muscle relaxant--1 to 10 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other medicines (including over-the-counter drugs such as cough and cold medicines, laxatives, antacids, diet pills, caffeine, nose drops or vitamins) without consulting your doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Nausea, vomiting, severe weakness, irregular heartbeat, hoarseness, cramps.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Unconsciousness. Seek emergency treatment immediately.

Common:

Nausea.

Infrequent:

Lightheadedness, breathing difficulty.

Rare:

Skin rash.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You can't tolerate glucagon.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you are allergic to beef or pork.
• If you have pheochromocytoma*.

Over age 60:
No special problems expected.

Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child, but avoid if possible. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No special problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
No special problems expected.

Prolonged use:
To be used intermittently and not for prolonged periods.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
No special problems expected.

Others:

• May affect results in some medical tests.
• Explain to other family members how to inject glucagon.
• Before injecting, try to eat some form of sugar, such as glucose tablets, corn syrup, honey, orange juice, hard candy or sugar cubes.
• Store glucagon in refrigerator, but don't freeze.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME OR DRUG CLASS	COMBINED EFFECT
Anticoagulants*	Increased anticoagulant effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Decreased glucagon effect.
Beverages:	No special problems expected.
Cocaine:	Increased adverse reactions.
Sugar, fruit juice, candy.	Enhances glucagon effect.
Marijuana:	Increased adverse reactions.
Tobacco:	No special problems expected.