Which drug is used for unconscious hypoglycemia as immediate treatment?

• A. Glucogel
• B. Glucagon
• C. Adrenaline
• D. GTN spray

Answer: (B)

Unconscious hypoglycaemia requires a treatment that works quickly even when the patient cannot swallow. Glucagon fits this need because it can be given by injection and acts fast to raise blood glucose. It works by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose (glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis), so glucose levels rise within minutes. The usual approach is an intramuscular dose of glucagon for adults, with a second dose if there’s no response after several minutes, and then switching to intravenous glucose if IV access is available and the patient remains hypoglycaemic or unconscious.

Glucogel, by contrast, is a glucose preparation intended for conscious patients who can swallow, and it isn’t safe for someone who is unconscious. Adrenaline and GTN spray treat other conditions (anaphylaxis/bronchospasm and angina, respectively) and do not address hypoglycaemia.