Glucagon
Also known as: GlucaGen, Cloridrato de Glucagon, Glucagon Hydrochloride
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Pancreatic peptide hormone composed of 29 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 3,482.75 Da. Produced by alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans, it acts as the primary counter-regulatory hormone to insulin, promoting hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.
FDA-approved as GlucaGen (injection) and Baqsimi (nasal spray, 2019) for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Available in emergency kits for use by caregivers.
HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNT His-Ser-Gln-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Tyr-Ser-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asp-Ser-Arg-Arg-Ala-Gln-Asp-Phe-Val-Gln-Trp-Leu-Met-Asn-Thr Half-life
~8-18 minutes
Administration Route
Subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous
Category
Metabolic & Fat Loss
Mechanism of Action
- Activation of the glucagon receptor (GCGR) in hepatocytes
- Promotion of hepatic glycogenolysis (conversion of glycogen to glucose)
- Stimulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis
- Increased lipolysis in adipose tissue
- Thermogenic effect via increased energy expenditure
- Positive inotropic and chronotropic effect on the heart
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 0.5-1 mg per injection (hypoglycemic emergency); research doses vary |
| Frequency | Single dose in emergency; as per protocol in research |
| Timing | Immediately in hypoglycemic emergency |
| Duration | Single dose (emergency) or as per research protocol |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hyperglycemia
- Headache
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Glucagon found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Accompanying diluent (sterile water)
- Volume: 1 ml per 1 mg vial
- Inject the diluent into the lyophilized powder vial
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved — never shake
- Use immediately after reconstitution
- Solution should be clear and colorless
Storage
- Lyophilized: Controlled room temperature (15-30°C)
- Reconstituted: Use immediately after reconstitution
- Do not refrigerate the reconstituted solution
- Discard unused solution
- Regularly check expiration date on emergency kits
Related Peptides
5-Amino-1MQ
50 mg per capsule · 1-2 times daily
Adipotide
0.5-1 mg/kg per injection (subcutaneous) · Once daily
AICAR
50-150 mg per injection · 2-3 times per week
AOD 9604
300-600 mcg per injection · Once daily
Cagrilintide
1.2-4.5 mg per week (subcutaneous) · Once weekly
Dulaglutide
0.75-4.5 mg per week (subcutaneous) · Once weekly