Indications: acute hypoglycemia.

Cautions: ineffective in chronic hypoglycemia, starvation and adrenal insufficiency; insulinoma; glucagonoma, breast feeding.

Contra-indications: phaeochromocytoma.

Side Effects: nausea, vomiting, rarely hypersensitivity reactions, abdominal pain, hypokalaemia, hypotension.

Dose: by SC, IM, or IV injection, adults and children over 8 years or body-weight over 25 kg, 1 mg; CHILDREN less than 8 years or body-weight below 25 kg, 500 mcg. if no response within 10 minutes intravenous glucose must be given.

Note: 1 unit of glucagon = 1 mg of glucagon or glucagon hydrochloride.