What is a contraindication for administering glucagon?

Administering glucagon has a specific contraindication: any known allergy to the medication itself. Allergic reactions can lead to serious complications, including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening emergency. When a patient has a confirmed allergy to glucagon, the risks of administering the drug outweigh the potential benefits for treating hypoglycemia.

While other options might involve medical considerations, they do not directly prevent the use of glucagon in the same way as a documented allergy does. For example, recent head injury may affect consciousness or the ability to swallow, but it doesn’t inherently negate glucagon’s action in managing low blood sugar levels. Similarly, a history of diabetes indicates a potential need for glucagon but does not serve as a contraindication. In contrast, hypertension is a common condition and typically does not impact the administration of glucagon. Thus, the mention of an allergy specifically highlights a critical and direct reason to refrain from using glucagon in treatment.