Glucagon
Also known as: GlucoGen, GlucaGen, GlucaGen HypoKit, Glucagon Emergency Kit, Glucagen
> **Emergency Use Only**: Glucagon is typically administered in a hospital setting where your pet's blood sugar can be continuously monitored. * **At-Home Hypoglycemia**: While glucagon *could* potentially be used for outpatient emergency initial treatment of severe low blood sugar, **oral glucose syrups (like Karo syrup)** rubbed on the gums are generally more practical and appropriate for pet owners to use at home. * **Monitoring**: If your pet is hospitalized and receiving a continuous infusion of glucagon, the veterinary team will closely monitor their blood glucose and potassium levels. * **Side Effects**: It is generally very safe and well-tolerated, but mild nausea or vomiting may occasionally occur.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Hypoglycemic (neuroglycopenic) crises in patients with 'insulinomas'
- Hypoglycaemia (Insulin overdose)
- Treatment of fatty liver in early lactation dairy cows older than 3.5 years
- Hypoglycemic (neuroglycopenic) crises in patients with 'insulinomas'
- Refractory hypoglycemic patients with insulinoma
- Hypoglycaemia (Insulin overdose)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hypokalemia
- Hypersensitivity reactions (very rare)
- Vomiting (main adverse reaction reported in humans)
- Anaphylaxis (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Pheochromocytoma
- Normoglycemia
- Pheochromocytoma (in humans)
- Insulinoma (may stimulate insulin release)
- > **Pheochromocytoma Warning**: Glucagon should usually not be used in patients with pheochromocytoma as catecholamines may be released leading to hypertension. * **Insulinoma Caution**: When used for insulinoma, it must be in a setting where blood glucose can be closely monitored. It can stimulate insulin production, potentially leading to greater rebound hypoglycemia once the drug is discontinued. * **Pregnancy/Nursing**: FDA Category B in humans. As an endogenously produced hormone, it is unlikely to cause significant risk to offspring or nursing young.
Drug interactions
- Anticoagulants: May have their effects increased when glucagon is concurrently administered; this effect may be delayed. Monitor for bleeding and prothrombin activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Glucagon used for in pets?
> **Emergency Use Only**: Glucagon is typically administered in a hospital setting where your pet's blood sugar can be continuously monitored. * **At-Home Hypoglycemia**: While glucagon *could* potentially be used for outpatient emergency initial treatment of severe low blood sugar, **oral glucose syrups (like Karo syrup)** rubbed on the gums are generally more practical and appropriate for pet owners to use at home. * **Monitoring**: If your pet is hospitalized and receiving a continuous infusion of glucagon, the veterinary team will closely monitor their blood glucose and potassium levels. * **Side Effects**: It is generally very safe and well-tolerated, but mild nausea or vomiting may occasionally occur.
Is Glucagon safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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