What Is Baqsimi? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Baqsimi is the brand name for glucagon nasal powder 3 mg — the first and only nasally administered glucagon treatment for severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes. It was developed to replace the older injectable glucagon kits that required mixing and syringe delivery, which many caregivers found difficult to use in an emergency.

This guide answers all the basic questions: what Baqsimi is, who it's for, how it's dosed, and what patients and caregivers need to know before they ever need to use it.

What Is Baqsimi?

Baqsimi is a prescription emergency medication in the form of a dry powder dispensed into the nose via a single-use intranasal device. Its active ingredient is glucagon — a hormone that naturally occurs in the human body and signals the liver to release stored glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream.

Baqsimi is produced by Amphastar Pharmaceuticals and was originally developed by Eli Lilly. It received initial FDA approval on July 24, 2019, making it the first nasal glucagon product on the US market. The FDA expanded approval to patients ages 1 and older in 2025.

What Is Baqsimi Used For?

Baqsimi has one FDA-approved indication:

Emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia (severely low blood sugar) in adults and children ages 1 year and older with diabetes.

Severe hypoglycemia is a dangerous medical emergency where blood sugar drops so low that the person becomes unable to eat, drink, or care for themselves. Symptoms include confusion, unconsciousness, seizures, and loss of muscle control.

Baqsimi is used when normal hypoglycemia treatment (eating glucose or drinking juice) is impossible — because the patient is unconscious, uncooperative, or unable to swallow safely.

What Type of Drug Is Baqsimi?

Baqsimi belongs to the antihypoglycemic agent drug class. Glucagon is a single-chain polypeptide with 29 amino acids, identical to human glucagon (C₁₅₃H₂₂₅N₄₃O₄₉S). It is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling.

How Is Baqsimi Dosed?

The dosing for Baqsimi is simple:

Dose: 3 mg (one complete actuation into one nostril). This is the same dose for all patients ages 1 and older, regardless of weight or age.

Route: Intranasal. The powder is deposited into one nostril using the single-use device.

Frequency: For emergency use only, not daily. If no response after 15 minutes, a second dose from a new device may be given.

Each device is single-use: Baqsimi contains one dose and cannot be reused. Do not test or prime the device before use.

How Quickly Does Baqsimi Work?

Baqsimi begins working within minutes. Key pharmacokinetic facts:

Peak plasma levels reached at approximately 15 minutes after administration in adults.

Mean time to treatment success (blood glucose increase ≥20 mg/dL from baseline): approximately 11-14 minutes.

Mean maximum blood glucose increase: approximately 140 mg/dL in adults.

Duration of action: approximately 90 minutes of elevated glucose effect.

What Does Baqsimi Come In?

Baqsimi is available in two packaging configurations:

One Pack™: Contains 1 single-use intranasal device. Best for primary carry.

Two Pack™: Contains 2 single-use intranasal devices. Recommended for home use — FDA allows a second dose if no response after 15 minutes.

Each device is sealed in a shrink-wrapped tube for protection and temperature stability. Store at up to 86°F (30°C). Do not open or test until needed.

Who Should Have Baqsimi?

Baqsimi is recommended for any person with diabetes who uses insulin, since insulin therapy creates a risk of hypoglycemia. Your doctor may especially recommend Baqsimi if you:

Have Type 1 diabetes.

Have Type 2 diabetes and use insulin or sulfonylureas.

Have a history of severe hypoglycemia episodes.

Experience hypoglycemia unawareness (can't feel warning symptoms of low blood sugar).

Live alone or regularly engage in activities where a low could be dangerous.

Finding Baqsimi in Stock

Baqsimi is widely prescribed but can be hard to find at some pharmacies. If your usual pharmacy doesn't have it, medfinder can help — it contacts pharmacies near you to find which ones have Baqsimi in stock and texts you the results.

For cost information, see our guide to how to save money on Baqsimi in 2026 — savings programs can reduce the price to as little as $25 for eligible patients.