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Side effects may include nausea and vomiting at doses above 1 mg or with rapid injection. Hypotension has been reported up to 2 hours after administration in patients receiving GlucaGen as premedication for upper GI endoscopy procedures. Glucagon exerts positive inotropic and chronotropic effects and may, therefore, cause tachycardia and hypertension. Adverse reactions indicating toxicity of GlucaGen have not been reported. A temporary increase in both blood pressure and pulse rate may occur following the administration of glucagon. Patients taking beta-blockers might be expected to have a greater increase in both pulse and blood pressure, an increase of which will be temporary because of glucagon's short half-life [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. The increase in blood pressure and pulse rate may require therapy in patients with pheochromocytoma or coronary artery disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Anaphylactic reactions may occur in some cases [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of GlucaGen. Because these adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency.

Table 1 : Frequency of Adverse Reactions

Beta-blockers

Patients taking beta-blockers might be expected to have a greater increase in both pulse and blood pressure, an increase of which will be temporary because of glucagon's short half-life. The increase in blood pressure and pulse rate may require therapy in patients with pheochromocytoma or coronary artery disease.

Indomethacin

When used with indomethacin, glucagon may lose its ability to raise blood glucose or may even produce hypoglycemia. Therefore, caution should be exercised for patients taking indomethacin when glucagon will be administered.not ? sory

Anticholinergic Drugs

Coadministration with an anticholinergic drug is not recommended due to increased gastrointestinal side effects.

Warfarin

Glucagon may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Therefore, caution should be exercised for patients taking warfarin when glucagon will be administered.

Insulin

Insulin reacts antagonistically towards glucagon. Therefore, caution should be exercised when glucagon is used as a diagnostic aid in diabetes patients.

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/13/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.