How Do Hypoglycemia Antidotes Work?

Hypoglycemia antidotes are drugs used to treat severe hypoglycemic reactions in people with an insulin overdose. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) occurs in people with diabetes when the sugar (glucose) level drops below what the body needs to function normally.

The pancreas produces the hormone glucagon which increases blood glucose levels by inhibiting glycogen synthesis and promoting the formation of glucose from proteins or fats (gluconeogenesis). Glucagon also increases the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver (glycogenolysis).

Hypoglycemia antidotes promote glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver, causing an increase in blood glucose levels.

Hypoglycemia antidotes are used to treat severe hypoglycemic reactions. Other uses include:

• Insulin overdose
• Acute alcohol intoxication
• Sulfonylurea overdose
• Hyperkalemia

Side effects of hypoglycemia antidotes include:

• Hypokalemia (low potassium level)
• Edema (fluid retention)
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Mental confusion
• Unconsciousness
• Excessive urination
• Diarrhea
• Excessive thirst
• Glycosuria (glucose in the urine)
• Ketonuria (ketones in the urine)
• Rapid breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Injection site pain
• Palpitations
• Decreased heart rate

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of hypoglycemia antidotes include:

• Baqsimi
• Dasiglucagon
• Dextrose (antidote)
• Glucagen
• GlucaGen HypoKit
• Glucagon
• Glucagon Emergency Kit
• Glucagon intranasal
• Gvoke
• Octreotide (antidote)
• Sandostatin (Antidote)
• Zegalogue