From the Research
For mild hiccups, simple techniques like holding your breath for 10-20 seconds, drinking cold water quickly, gargling with ice water, breathing into a paper bag for a few minutes, or pulling gently on your tongue can help reset your diaphragm's normal rhythm, but lidocaine eardrops are not a standard treatment for hiccups. For persistent hiccups (lasting more than 48 hours), it is essential to consult a healthcare provider who might prescribe medications like baclofen (5-10 mg three times daily), chlorpromazine (25-50 mg), or metoclopramide (10 mg) 1. While lidocaine can be used medically for hiccups, it's typically administered as a viscous solution for gargling or through a nebulizer under medical supervision, not as eardrops 2. Lidocaine works by blocking nerve signals that contribute to hiccups, but using eardrops for this purpose lacks scientific evidence and could be potentially harmful if not used as directed. Some key points to consider when treating hiccups include:
- Identifying the underlying cause of the hiccups, whether central or peripheral, to guide treatment 3
- Using a systematic approach to treatment, starting with simple physical maneuvers and progressing to pharmacological interventions as needed 3
- Considering the use of baclofen, metoclopramide, or other medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider 1, 3
- Avoiding the use of lidocaine eardrops due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness and potential for harm 2. Always consult a healthcare provider for persistent hiccups rather than repurposing medications.