recombinant glucagon (Baqsimi)

Indications

• hypoglycemia
  • effective only in presence of hepatic glycogen stores
  • underprescribed, underutilized by paramedics
• diagnostic aid in radiologic examination of the GI tract when a hypotonic state is need (relaxes bowel)
• beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist overdose
• Ca+2 channel antagonist overdose

Dosage

• hypoglycemia: 1 mg IV, IM, SC, may repeat every 20 min
• ACLS, overdose beta blocker Ca+2 channel blocker
  • 1-5 mg over 2-5 minutes
• diagnostic aid: 0.25-2 mg 10 min prior to procedure.

1 unit = 1 mg.

* Baqsimi (nasal powder)

Pharmacokinetics

• effects on blood glucose levels occur within 5-20 minutes following parenteral administration & persist for 60-90 minutes
• elimination 1/2life 3-10 minutes

Adverse effects

• not common (1-10%)
  • hypotension, urticaria, nausea, vomiting, respiratory distress, hypersensitivity reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia

Drug interactions

• may enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin

Mechanism of action

• increased production of hepatic cAMP
• stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis & gluconeogenesis
• increases blood glucose levels
• beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, positive inotropic & chronotropic activities

More general terms

• glucagon
• endocrine agent

More specific terms

• glucagon pen (Gvoke HypoPen)

Additional terms

• glucagon receptor; GL-R (GCGR)