What is the role of olanzapine and baclofen in the management of intractable hiccups?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 8, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.

The FDA Drug Labels for olanzapine (PO), baclofen (PO) do not address this question.

From the Research

Role of Olanzapine and Baclofen in Intractable Hiccups

  • Olanzapine and baclofen have been used in combination to treat intractable hiccups, with significant improvement in quality of life 1.
  • Baclofen is a GABA analog that activates inhibitory neurotransmitters, which may block the hiccup stimulus, while olanzapine's exact mechanism is not fully understood but may be related to its effects on serotonin and dopamine receptors 1.
  • Baclofen has been shown to be effective in treating intractable hiccups in several studies, including a double-blind randomized controlled trial 2.
  • Olanzapine has been used in combination with baclofen to treat intractable hiccups, but its effectiveness as a solo treatment is not well established 1.
  • Other pharmacological agents, such as gabapentin, metoclopramide, and chlorpromazine, have also been used to treat intractable hiccups, but the evidence for their effectiveness is limited 3, 4, 5.

Mechanism of Action

  • Baclofen's mechanism of action is thought to be related to its activation of GABA receptors, which may block the hiccup stimulus 1, 2.
  • Olanzapine's mechanism of action is not fully understood, but may be related to its effects on serotonin and dopamine receptors, which may influence phrenic motoneuronal activity and the reflex arcs involved in hiccup generation 1.
  • The exact mechanisms of action of other pharmacological agents used to treat intractable hiccups are not well established, but may be related to their effects on various neurotransmitters and receptors 3, 4, 5.

Clinical Evidence

  • The evidence for the effectiveness of olanzapine and baclofen in treating intractable hiccups is limited to case reports and small studies 1, 2.
  • Larger, well-designed trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of these agents in treating intractable hiccups 3, 4, 5.
  • The choice of treatment for intractable hiccups should be individualized based on the patient's underlying comorbidities, etiology of hiccups, and the properties of the available pharmacological agents 4, 5.

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.