Baqsimi (glucagon) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for severe low blood sugar in adults and some children with diabetes. Baqsimi comes as a nasal powder. It’s used as needed in a medical emergency.

Baqsimi belongs to a drug class called antihypoglycemic drugs. Baqsimi is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Baqsimi, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Baqsimi, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Baqsimi provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Baqsimi, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Baqsimi’s form, strength, and dosage.

Baqsimi form

Baqsimi comes as a single-use nasal spray unit. This means it only contains one dose of medication.

The nasal spray is a powder that you squirt into your nose when needed.

Baqsimi strength

Baqsimi comes in one strength of 3 milligrams (mg) per spray.

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for hypoglycemia

Doctors may prescribe Baqsimi to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in a medical emergency. This condition is also called diabetic shock.

Each dose of Baqsimi is one spray (3 mg) in a single-use device. If you experience a severe hypoglycemic episode, you’ll give yourself one dose. Immediately after using Baqsimi, it’s important to call 911 or your local emergency number.

If your condition hasn’t improved in 15 minutes, you may receive another dose of Baqsimi from a new device.

In some cases, very low blood sugar may cause you to become unconscious. For this reason, it’s important that a family member, friend, or caregiver also knows how to give your dose of Baqsimi.

Children’s dosage

Baqsimi is approved to treat severe low blood sugar in children ages 4 years and older with diabetes.

Your child’s dose will be one spray, which contains 3 mg of medication. You’ll give your child a dose of Baqsimi only if they need it. They won’t need to take this medication on a regular basis. You and another family member, friend, or caregiver should know how to give a dose of Baqsimi. This is because very low blood sugar can cause your child to become unconscious, so their caregivers should know how to administer the medication in the case of an emergency.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.

Long-term treatment

Baqsimi is not used as a long-term treatment. It should only be used to treat severe low blood sugar in a diabetic emergency.

You should receive one dose of Baqsimi and then call 911 or your local emergency phone number.

If the symptoms have not improved after 15 minutes, you may receive one more dose of Baqsimi from a new device.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to use Baqsimi.

Before your doctor prescribes Baqsimi, they will show you how to use it. Be sure that your family, friends, or caregivers also know how to use Baqsimi. This medication is only used in medical emergencies for severe low blood sugar. In some cases, severe low blood sugar can cause you to become unconscious. For this reason, it’s important that someone else is able to give your dose of Baqsimi if you are unable to.

Baqsimi is given as a nasal spray into one nostril. The drug does not need to be inhaled.

After giving your dose of Baqsimi, you or a caregiver should call 911 or emergency medical help. If the person’s symptoms have not improved after 15 minutes, they should be given another dose of Baqsimi with a new device. Each time you use a dose of Baqsimi, be sure to tell your doctor.

If you have questions about how to use Baqsimi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There’s also a helpful video on the manufacturer’s website. You can also see the step-by-step instructions in the prescribing information.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

It’s important that you do not use more Baqsimi than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose. For more information about Baqsimi’s side effects, see this article.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of Baqsimi can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Baqsimi

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Baqsimi. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Baqsimi.

How long does it take for Baqsimi to start working?

Baqsimi starts to work within 15 minutes of receiving your dose. If your symptoms haven’t improved after 15 minutes, you may receive a second dose of Baqsimi from a new device.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Baqsimi treatment.

What is the recommended maximum dosage of Baqsimi?

The maximum recommended dosage of Baqsimi is 6 mg total. This comes as two 3-mg doses given 15 minutes apart.

You’ll get one dose of 3 mg of Baqsimi if necessary to manage severe hypoglycemia. You or your caregiver can repeat this dose 15 minutes later if your symptoms have not improved. However, after giving the first dose of Baqsimi, be sure to call 911 or the local emergency number. For details about Baqsimi dosages, see the “Baqsimi dosage” section above.

If you have questions or concerns about your dosage of Baqsimi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Baqsimi for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Baqsimi without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Baqsimi that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Baqsimi. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Baqsimi. For information about other aspects of Baqsimi, refer to this article.
  • Side effects. To learn about side effects of Baqsimi, see this article. You can also look at the Baqsimi prescribing information.
  • Details about your condition. For details about low blood sugar with diabetes, see our diabetes hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.