Glucagon

The usual dose of Glucagon for adults and children who weight more than 20 kg (44 lbs) is 1 mg (1 unit) injected under the skin, into a muscle or into a vein. For children who weight less than 20 kg (44 lbs), the dose is 0.5 mg (0.5 unit) or is based on body weight.

Injections into a vein are given by health care professionals with the appropriate training and supplies to do so.

To give a glucagon injection under the skin, first prepare the injection. Once prepared, use it immediately and do not store for later use.

1. Remove the flip-off seal from the vial (bottle) of glucagon.
2. Remove the needle protector from the syringe, and inject the entire contents of the syringe into the bottle of glucagon. Do not remove the plastic clip from the syringe. Remove the syringe from the bottle.
3. Swirl the bottle gently until the glucagon dissolves completely. Glucagon should not be used unless the solution is clear and completely dissolved.
4. Using the same syringe, hold bottle upside down and, making sure the needle tip remains in solution, withdraw all of the solution (1 mg mark on syringe) from the bottle. The plastic clip on the syringe will prevent the plunger from being pulled out of the syringe; however, if the plastic plunger rod separates from the rubber stopper, simply reinsert the rod by turning it clockwise.
5. Clean the injection site on the buttock, arm, or thigh with an alcohol swab.
6. Insert the needle into the fatty tissue under the cleaned injection site, and inject the glucagon solution. There is no danger of overdose.
7. Apply light pressure at the injection site, and withdraw the needle. Press an alcohol swab against the injection site.
8. Turn the patient on their side. When an unconscious person awakens, they may vomit. Turning the patient on their side will prevent them from choking.

As soon as someone responds to Glucagon, they should eat glucose (e.g., candy, orange juice, regular pop) to prevent low blood sugar from returning and contact their doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you use the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Glucagon be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Store Glucagon at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Glucagon is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Glucagon may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does Glucagon come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.