GLUCAGON

 (Lilly Glucagon, GlucaGen, Baqsimi)

Standard Prescription

Full dose for hypoglycemia:
glucagon__mg IM/SC/IV x 1 dose

Mini dose:
glucagon__mcg SC x 1 dose

Dosages

Severe hypoglycemia (e.g. in diabetes):
Children < 8 kg: 0.03 mg/kg/dose IM/SC/IV
Children 8 kg to 2 years: 0.25 mg/dose IM/SC/IV
Children 2 to 5 years: 0.5 mg/dose IM/SC/IV
Children >= 5 years and Adults: 1 mg/dose IM/SC/IV
Children >= 4 years: one 3-mg kit intranasally

Mild or impending hypoglycemia associated with inability to take oral carbohydrate ("mini-dose" glucagon):
<2 years of age: 0.02 mg/dose  (2 units on insulin syringe) SC
3-15 years: 0.01 mg/dose per year of age (1 unit on insulin syringe per year of age) SC
>15 years: 0.15 mg/dose (15 units on insulin syringe) SC
If no response in 30 min. double above doses

Beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker toxicity:
Contact BC Drug and Poison Center

Mechanism of Action

Antihypoglycemic

Forms Supplied

Injection (Lilly Glucagon, GlucaGen): 1 mg/vial
Intranasal (Baqsimi) (not stocked at BCCH): 3 mg kit

Comments

Do not delay initiation of glucose infusion while awaiting the effects of glucagon. Refer to dextrose monograph.

For glucagon injection: 1 unit on an insulin syringe = 10 mcg glucagon.

Bolus glucagon therapy in idiopathic hyperinsulinism produces rebound hypoglycemia.

"Mini-dose" is designed for home use (refer to the Endocrinology & Diabetes website for details http://www.bcchildrens.ca/endocrinology-diabetes-site/documents/minigluc.pdf)

References

32, 147, 208

Last Edited

2022-01-05 07:35:57