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Generic Name : GLUCAGON

ABSTRACT –

Glucagon is a glucose elevating agent that is used to treat low blood sugar levels, commonly known as hypoglycemia. This drug is also used during radiologic examinations so as to ease identification and diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders. This drug is a hormone that reduces the muscular movements of the gastrointestinal tract system while increasing blood sugar levels within the body.

DOSAGE –

• Glucagon is to be taken as directed by the doctors. Consume this drug only as prescribed to avoid overdose or other harmful effects. This condition is to be treated as swiftly as possible
• This drug is injected subcutaneously, into a muscle or into a vein.
• This drug is available as a powder medication which is required to be mixed with a diluent only immediately before injecting.
• For children of 6 and under, only half the adult dose is to be administered.
• General Adult Dosage available:
  Injection powder – 1mg.

SIDE EFFECTS –

• Nausea
• Vomiting

RARE SIDE EFFECTS –

• Redness/itching
• Blistering
• Crusting/scaling
• Skin sores/lesions on face, skin, or genital area

DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Indomethacin
• Acebutolol
• Betaxolol
• Carvedilol
• Labetalol
• Carteolol
• Metoprolol
• Sotalol
• Warfarin
• Nadolol
• Penbutolol
• Bisoprolol

Glucagon has moderate interactions with the drug Indomethacin and very minor interactions with 22 different drugs.

PRECAUTIONS –

• Provide the doctor with a detailed and accurate medical history prior to drug prescription. Notify especially in case of illnesses and conditions such as chronic low blood sugar, unhealthy dietary lifestyle or pancreatic tumors.
• Do not use this drug in case of an allergy to Glucagon or lactose, or in case of insulinoma or pheochromocytoma.
• Inform the doctor of all the drugs being consumed so as to avoid severe drug interactions.
• Consult a doctor regarding the risks of consuming this drug during pregnancy or nursing period.
• Cooperate with diet plans and exercise for effective results. Take blood sugar tests regularly to ensure moderate levels of blood sugar
• Consume a fast-acting source of sugar to replenish blood sugar levels and render the drug more effectively.
• Avoid alcohol while on drug course.

WARNINGS –

• Keep out of reach of children
• In case of severe hypoglycemia, use a glucagon kit or consume a fast-acting source of sugar for re-energization. In case the patient do not get up within 15 minutes of an episode, mix a new dose and administer a second injection
• In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid pulse or even hypertension