Glucagon
Also known as: GlucaGen, Baqsimi
Key Facts: Glucagon
- Category
- Hormonal
- FDA Status
- FDA Approved
- Clinical Status
- FDA Approved - Hypoglycemia and diagnostic
- Administration
- Injection, intranasal, or auto-injector
- Typical Dose
- Limited community data available
- Frequency
- See research protocols
- Duration
- Single dose emergency use
Mechanism of Action
Glucagon binds to glucagon receptors in the liver, activating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to raise blood glucose. Also relaxes smooth muscle in the GI tract for diagnostic imaging.
Research Summary
Life-saving treatment for severe hypoglycemia since the 1960s. Newer formulations include nasal spray (Baqsimi) and stable liquid (Gvoke). Essential emergency medication for insulin users.
Dosing Information
Typical Dosingⓘ
Community experience
Limited community data available
See research dosing
See research protocols
Research Dosingⓘ
Scientific studies
Emergency dosing
Doses from Studies
1 mg IM/SC/IV for hypoglycemia
3 mg intranasal (Baqsimi)
Duration
Single dose emergency use
Administration
Injection, intranasal, or auto-injector
Timing & Administration
Best Time to Take
Morning
Follow specific protocol
Food Recommendation
Take on empty stomach
Why This Timing?
Metabolic peptides often work best when taken in the morning to support daytime energy expenditure.
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.
- ●Nausea (up to 35%)
- ●Vomiting
- ●Headache
- ●Hypertension
- ●Tachycardia
- ●Allergic reactions
- ●Rebound hypoglycemia
- ●CONTRAINDICATED with pheochromocytoma
- ●FDA approved
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30355995/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31464455/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29438632/
Research This Peptide Further
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Glucagon do?
A counter-regulatory hormone to insulin. FDA approved for severe hypoglycemia treatment and diagnostic procedures.
How does Glucagon work?
Glucagon binds to glucagon receptors in the liver, activating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to raise blood glucose. Also relaxes smooth muscle in the GI tract for diagnostic imaging.
Is Glucagon FDA approved?
Yes, Glucagon is FDA approved. FDA Approved - Hypoglycemia and diagnostic
What are the side effects of Glucagon?
Reported side effects include: Nausea (up to 35%), Vomiting, Headache, Hypertension, Tachycardia. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal health factors.
What is the typical dose of Glucagon?
Community-reported common dose: Limited community data available (See research protocols). Range: See research dosing. Administration: Injection, intranasal, or auto-injector. Community-reported doses. Not medical advice. Consult healthcare provider.
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