What is the recommended dose and administration of Glucagen (glucagon) hypokit for treating hypoglycemia?

Glucagon HypoKit Dosing and Administration for Hypoglycemia Treatment

For severe hypoglycemia treatment, administer 1 mg (1 mL) of glucagon via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks for adults and children weighing more than 25 kg or children 6 years and older with unknown weight; for children weighing less than 25 kg or under 6 years with unknown weight, administer 0.5 mg (0.5 mL). 1

Dosage Recommendations

Adults and Children >25 kg or ≥6 years with unknown weight:

• Recommended dose: 1 mg (1 mL) injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly 1
• If no response after 15 minutes, an additional 1 mg dose may be administered using a new kit while waiting for emergency assistance 1

Children <25 kg or <6 years with unknown weight:

• Recommended dose: 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly 1
• If no response after 15 minutes, an additional 0.5 mg dose may be administered using a new kit while waiting for emergency assistance 1

Administration Instructions

1. Preparation:

   • Using the supplied prefilled syringe, insert the needle through the rubber stopper of the vial containing glucagon powder 1
   • Inject all liquid from the syringe into the vial 1
   • Shake gently until powder is completely dissolved with no particles remaining 1
   • The reconstituted solution should be clear and colorless 1

2. Injection:

   • Immediately after reconstitution, inject the solution subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks 1
   • Intravenous administration should ONLY be performed under medical supervision 1

3. Post-administration:

   • Call for emergency assistance immediately after administering the dose 1
   • When the patient has responded to treatment and is able to swallow, give oral carbohydrates to restore liver glycogen and prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia 1
   • Discard any unused portion 1

Expected Response

• Glucagon will increase blood glucose levels within 5-15 minutes after administration 2
• Recovery of normal consciousness typically occurs within 6.5 minutes after glucagon administration 3
• The pharmacological effect may be slower than intravenous dextrose but is still effective for severe hypoglycemia treatment 3

Important Considerations

• Glucagon should be prescribed for all patients at increased risk for clinically significant hypoglycemia 2
• Caregivers, family members, school personnel, and others in close contact with the patient should be trained on glucagon administration 2
• Newer intranasal and ready-to-inject glucagon preparations are now available and preferred due to their ease of administration 2, 4
• Intranasal glucagon is administered as a 3 mg dose and has been shown to be noninferior to intramuscular glucagon 4
• Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia may result in hypoglycemia unawareness, requiring frequent blood glucose monitoring 2

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of glucagon administration 2, 4
• A lower dose of 10 mcg/kg results in a smaller glycemic response but is associated with less nausea 2

Storage and Replacement

• Care should be taken to replace glucagon products when they reach their expiration date 2
• Store glucagon according to specific product instructions to ensure safe and effective use 2

Remember that glucagon is indicated for severe hypoglycemia requiring treatment with glucagon or intravenous glucose and is associated with altered states of consciousness, including coma, seizures, or inability of the patient to take glucose orally due to disorientation 2.