Baqsimi (glucagon) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat severely low blood sugar levels. The drug comes as nasal powder. It’s usually given as a one-time dose.

Baqsimi is used in adults and some children to treat hypoglycemia (severe low blood sugar levels) in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

The active ingredient in Baqsimi is glucagon. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Baqsimi belongs to the anti-hypoglycemic group of medications.

This article describes the dosage of Baqsimi, as well as its strength and how to use it. To learn more about Baqsimi, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosage of Baqsimi. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Baqsimi’s form?

Baqsimi is available as a nasal powder in a single-use device for use in one nostril.

What strength does Baqsimi come in?

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

What are the usual dosages of Baqsimi?

Baqsimi is used as a one-time dose to treat severe low blood sugar levels.

The information below describes the dosage that’s commonly used or recommended. But be sure to receive the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for severe hypoglycemia

The typical Baqsimi dosage for adults with severe hypoglycemia is one spray into one nostril. Each device comes with one dose and cannot be reused. If you don’t respond to a Baqsimi dose within 15 minutes, another dose may be given from a new Baqsimi device.

Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency. Once you give a dose of Baqsimi, you or someone with you should call 911 right away.

With severe hypoglycemia, you may need a family member, caregiver, co-worker, or friend to give Baqsimi. Be sure they recognize signs of severe hypoglycemia and understand how to give Baqsimi. (Signs of severe hypoglycemia may include blurred vision, slurred speech, seizures, or fainting.)

What’s the dosage of Baqsimi for children?

Baqsimi is used to help treat severe hypoglycemia in children ages 4 years and older with diabetes.

The dosage used in children is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Baqsimi?” section above.

For more information about Baqsimi’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.

Is Baqsimi used long term?

No. Baqsimi is used as a one-time treatment for severe hypoglycemia. It is not meant for regular use. Talk with your doctor if you have regular episodes of low blood sugar. They can discuss your medications and ways to manage your blood sugar levels.

Baqsimi is available as a nasal powder in a nasal device. You or a caregiver will give one spray of Baqsimi into one nostril for severe low blood sugar as a one-time dose. You or someone else needs to call 911 right after giving a dose of Baqsimi. If there has been no response after 15 minutes, another dose of Baqsimi may be given with a new device. (The second dose can be given in a different nostril.)

Each Baqsimi device has a single dose of medication. It cannot be reused.

You or someone else can check your blood sugar levels 15 minutes after giving a dose of Baqsimi. If you respond to the medication, eat at least 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, orange juice, or soda, and check your blood sugar level again after 15 minutes.

Be sure family members, co-workers or caregivers understand the signs of severe hypoglycemia and know how to give you a dose of Baqsimi.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Baqsimi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Be sure to let your doctor know if you’ve received Baqsimi.

Accessible drug containers and labels

Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Do not use more Baqsimi than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you use too much Baqsimi

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Baqsimi. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Baqsimi’s dosage.

Is Baqsimi’s dosage similar to the dosage of glucose?

No, they are different. Doctors prescribe Baqsimi to treat severe hypoglycemia.

Glucose is a simple carbohydrate that’s available in many types of foods, such as hard candy or soda. It also comes as glucose supplements in gel, tablet, or liquid forms to treat low blood sugar. Glucose supplements are available over the counter and don’t require a prescription.

Your doctor may recommend taking 15 grams (g) of fast-acting carbohydrates for low blood sugar level. Glucose tablets typically contain 4 g of carbohydrates in each tablet. It’s usually recommended that you take 4 tablets if you have a low blood sugar episode.

Baqsimi is available as a prescription only and is for one-time use for severely low blood sugar levels.

To learn more about how glucose and Baqsimi compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long does it take for Baqsimi to start working?

Baqsimi starts to work soon after you give a dose. In studies, the drug reached peak levels within about 15 minutes in the body. But, if severe hypoglycemia isn’t managed after giving one dose of Baqsimi, a second dose may be given after 15 minutes from a new device.

You or someone else needs to call 911 right after giving a dose of Baqsimi. Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency. You’ll need to be monitored carefully after you give Baqsimi.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Baqsimi treatment, talk with your doctor.

The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by Baqsimi’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Only use Baqsimi exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Can I give more than two doses of Baqsimi if my blood sugar level isn’t responding?
  • How long after giving a dose of Baqsimi can I take my diabetes medicine?

To learn more about Baqsimi, see these articles:

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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.