From the Guidelines
For the treatment of hiccups, chlorpromazine is a recommended option, as it has been used to treat intractable hiccups, according to the study published in Pediatrics in 2016 1. When considering treatment options for hiccups, it's essential to differentiate between brief and persistent cases. For brief hiccups, simple home remedies can be effective, such as:
- Holding your breath for 10-20 seconds
- Drinking cold water quickly
- Gargling with ice water
- Breathing into a paper bag for a few minutes
- Pulling on your tongue
- Stimulating the back of your throat with a spoon to trigger the gag reflex These techniques aim to interrupt the hiccup reflex by affecting your breathing pattern or stimulating the vagus nerve.
For persistent hiccups (lasting more than 48 hours), medical intervention may be necessary. Medications that can help include:
- Chlorpromazine (25-50 mg intravenously or intramuscularly) 1
- Metoclopramide (10 mg three times daily) 1 These medications work by either reducing nerve irritability or affecting neurotransmitters involved in the hiccup reflex. It's crucial to note that if hiccups persist beyond a few days or recur frequently, seeking medical attention is necessary, as they may indicate an underlying condition such as GERD, central nervous system disorders, or metabolic imbalances that require specific treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
For relief of intractable hiccups Intractable Hiccups– 25 mg to 50 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d. If symptoms persist for 2 to 3 days, parenteral therapy is indicated.
Treatment options for hiccups include Chlorpromazine (PO) 25 mg to 50 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d. If symptoms persist, parenteral therapy may be necessary 2.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Hiccups
The treatment options for hiccups can be categorized into several approaches, including:
- Pharmacological interventions: Various medications have been used to treat hiccups, such as chlorpromazine, gabapentin, baclofen, and serotonergic agonists 3, 4.
- Non-pharmacological approaches: Techniques like nerve blockade, pacing, acupuncture, and measures to hold breathing have been successful in treating hiccups 3, 5.
- Alternative medicines and remedies: Some studies suggest that alternative treatments, such as the adjuvant use of lansoprazole, clonazepam, and dimenhydrinate, may be effective in treating intractable hiccups 6.
Pharmacological Interventions
Pharmacological interventions are often used to treat persistent and intractable hiccups. Some of the medications used include:
- Chlorpromazine: Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hiccups 4.
- Gabapentin: Shown to be effective in treating hiccups in some studies 3, 4.
- Baclofen: Used to treat hiccups, especially in cases where other medications have failed 3, 4.
- Metoclopramide: Found to be successful in treating hiccups in some studies 4.
Non-Pharmacological Approaches
Non-pharmacological approaches can be used to treat hiccups, including:
- Acupuncture: Shown to be effective in some studies, although the evidence is limited 5.
- Nerve blockade: Used to treat hiccups, especially in cases where other treatments have failed 3.
- Pacing: A technique used to help regulate breathing and stop hiccups 3.
- Measures to hold breathing: Techniques like holding one's breath or breathing into a paper bag can help stop hiccups 3.
Alternative Medicines and Remedies
Alternative medicines and remedies can be used to treat hiccups, including:
- Lansoprazole, clonazepam, and dimenhydrinate: An adjuvant treatment that has been shown to be effective in treating intractable hiccups 6.
- Lifestyle changes: Making changes to one's lifestyle, such as avoiding overeating or drinking too much alcohol, can help prevent hiccups 7.
- Physical maneuvers: Techniques like applying pressure to the diaphragm or stimulating the vagus nerve can help stop hiccups 7.