Baqsimi works by activating glucagon receptors in the liver, which stimulates the breakdown of glycogen and the release of glucose from the liver into the bloodstream. It stimulates the liver to produce more glucose from amino acid molecules and reduces how much glucose the liver needs to function, so that as much glucose as possible can be released into the bloodstream. Baqsimi also slows down digestion and acts on adipose (fat) tissue to increase the breakdown of fat stores.

Baqsimi is a dry powder form of synthetic glucagon that is identical to naturally occurring glucagon that is produced by alpha cells in the pancreas. It is used to treat severe hypoglycemia (extremely low blood sugar levels) in adults and children aged four or older with diabetes. Baqsimi is designed for use in the nose only.