Dosage And Administration
Glucagon is a hormone that is primarily used to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in emergency situations, especially in individuals with diabetes. It is typically administered through an injection. Here’s a general guide on how to use glucagon:
Note: The following instructions are for informational purposes only. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the glucagon product’s packaging.
Before You Begin
Ensure that you have a glucagon emergency kit prescribed by your healthcare provider. These kits typically include a vial of powdered glucagon and a syringe pre-filled with liquid.
Using the Glucagon Kit:
1. Prepare the Syringe:
• Check the expiration date on the glucagon kit. Do not use expired medication.
• Remove the syringe from its packaging, but leave the cap on.
• Gently remove the cap from the vial of powdered glucagon.
2. Mix the Solution
• Hold the syringe with the capped needle pointing up. Insert the needle into the vial's rubber stopper.
• Slowly inject the liquid from the syringe into the vial, allowing the liquid to mix with the powdered glucagon. Do not shake the vial vigorously; gently swirl it until the powder is dissolved.
3. Withdraw the Solution:
• Turn the vial upside down, and slowly draw the mixed solution back into the syringe. Make sure the entire solution is in the syringe.
4. Administer the Injection:
• Choose an injection site. Common injection sites include the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.
• Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
• Hold the syringe like a pencil or dart, and insert the needle into the cleaned injection site at a 90-degree angle.
• Push the plunger all the way down to inject the glucagon.
5. Provide Assistance
• After injecting the glucagon, turn the person on their side to prevent choking if they vomit.
• Stay with the person and monitor them until they become conscious and can swallow safely.
6. Seek Medical Help
• Glucagon raises blood sugar levels, so the person should begin to regain consciousness within about 15 minutes.
• Once the person is awake and able to swallow, offer them a source of sugar (e.g., glucose tablets, fruit juice, or a regular soft drink) to help prevent another drop in blood sugar.
• Seek immediate medical assistance after using glucagon, as the underlying cause of severe hypoglycemia should be addressed.
Remember that using glucagon requires proper training and preparation, especially in emergency situations. If you or someone you know has diabetes and is at risk of severe hypoglycemia, it’s crucial to discuss glucagon use and receive proper instructions from a healthcare professional.
Dosage and Administration of Glucagon
The dosage and administration of glucagon can vary based on the specific glucagon product you’re using and the individual’s age, weight, and medical condition. Glucagon is primarily used to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in emergency situations. It is usually administered as an injection. Here’s a general guide on the dosage and administration of glucagon:
Note: Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the glucagon product’s packaging. The following information is for reference purposes only.
Dosage
- The standard dose of glucagon for adults and children over the age of 6 is typically 1 mg (1 unit).
- For children under 6 years old, the recommended dose is usually 0.5 mg (0.5 unit).
- However, dosing can vary, and your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose based on the individual's specific needs.
Administration:
1. Prepare the Glucagon Kit:
- Check the expiration date on the glucagon kit. Do not use expired medication.
- Remove the syringe from its packaging, but leave the cap on.
- Gently remove the cap from the vial of powdered glucagon.
2. Mix the Solution:
- Hold the syringe with the capped needle pointing up. Insert the needle into the vial's rubber stopper.
- Slowly inject the liquid from the syringe into the vial, allowing the liquid to mix with the powdered glucagon. Do not shake the vial vigorously; gently swirl it until the powder is dissolved.
3. Withdraw the Solution:
- Turn the vial upside down, and slowly draw the mixed solution back into the syringe. Make sure the entire solution is in the syringe.
4. Administer the Injection:
- Choose an injection site. Common injection sites include the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
- Hold the syringe like a pencil or dart, and insert the needle into the cleaned injection site at a 90-degree angle.
- Push the plunger all the way down to inject the glucagon.
5. Provide Assistance:
- After injecting the glucagon, turn the person on their side to prevent choking if they vomit.
- Stay with the person and monitor them until they become conscious and can swallow safely.
6. Seek Medical Help:
- Glucagon raises blood sugar levels, so the person should begin to regain consciousness within about 15 minutes.
- Once the person is awake and able to swallow, offer them a source of sugar (e.g., glucose tablets, fruit juice, or a regular soft drink) to help prevent another drop in blood sugar.
- Seek immediate medical assistance after using glucagon, as the underlying cause of severe hypoglycemia should be addressed.
Always consult with a healthcare professional to receive proper training and instructions on how to use glucagon effectively in emergency situations.
Possible Side effects of Glucagon.
Glucagon is generally considered safe when used as directed, especially for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia. However, like any medication, it can have potential side effects. Keep in mind that the occurrence of side effects can vary from person to person. Here are some possible side effects associated with the use of glucagon:
1. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of glucagon administration. These effects are usually temporary and subside once blood sugar levels stabilize.
2. Increased Heart Rate
Glucagon may cause a temporary increase in heart rate (tachycardia). This effect is typically short-lived and not usually a cause for concern.
3. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
In some cases, glucagon administration might lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. This effect is usually mild and transient.
4. Allergic Reactions
While rare, allergic reactions to glucagon can occur. Signs of an allergic reaction may include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and rash. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
5. Injection Site Reactions
Like many injectable medications, glucagon may cause localized pain, redness, or irritation at the injection site. These reactions are generally mild and short-lived.
It’s important to remember that the benefits of using glucagon to treat severe hypoglycemia usually outweigh the potential risks of side effects, especially in emergency situations. If you or someone you know is prescribed glucagon and experiences severe or persistent side effects, it’s recommended to seek medical attention.
If you’re considering using glucagon for any purpose other than its intended medical use (such as weight loss), it’s crucial to note that its safety and side effects in such contexts are not well-established, and you should consult with a healthcare professional before proceeding. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the glucagon product’s packaging.
