From the FDA Drug Label
INTRACTABLE HICCUPS If symptoms persist for 2-3 days after trial with oral therapy, give 25 to 50 mg (1-2 mL) IM. Should symptoms persist, use slow IV infusion with patient flat in bed: 25 to 50 mg (1-2 mL) in 500 to 1000 mL of saline. 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.
The treatments for synchronous diaphragmatic contractions (hiccups) include:
- Oral therapy: 25 mg to 50 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d.
- Parenteral therapy: 25 to 50 mg (1-2 mL) IM if symptoms persist for 2-3 days after trial with oral therapy
- Slow IV infusion: 25 to 50 mg (1-2 mL) in 500 to 1000 mL of saline with patient flat in bed, if symptoms persist 1 2
From the Research
To treat hiccups, try simple home remedies first, and for persistent cases, consider medications like baclofen, as it is the most effective treatment according to recent studies 3, 4. When treating hiccups, it's essential to consider the potential underlying causes, as persistent hiccups can indicate conditions such as GERD, medication side effects, or neurological issues.
- Simple home remedies like holding breath for 10-20 seconds, drinking cold water, gargling with ice water, or placing a teaspoon of granulated sugar on the back of the tongue can help reset the diaphragm's normal rhythm.
- For persistent hiccups, medications like baclofen (5-10mg orally three times daily) may be prescribed, as it has been shown to be effective in treating central causes of hiccups 4.
- If hiccups last more than 48 hours, seeking medical attention is crucial to address potential underlying causes.
- In severe cases, nerve blocks or surgical interventions like vagus nerve stimulation may be considered, as they have shown promise in treating intractable hiccups 3.
- It's also important to note that the management of persistent hiccups still presents a clinical challenge, and further research is needed to develop more effective treatment strategies 4.