From the Research
Thorazine (chlorpromazine) is not the preferred treatment for postoperative hiccups, and its use should be considered only after simpler interventions have failed, due to its potential side effects and the availability of other treatment options, as suggested by the most recent and highest quality study available 1. The treatment of postoperative hiccups typically involves a stepwise approach, starting with simpler interventions such as breathing techniques, sipping cold water, or stimulating the pharynx.
- If these measures are ineffective, other medication options such as metoclopramide, baclofen, or gabapentin may be considered.
- The use of Thorazine (chlorpromazine) is not recommended as a first-line treatment due to its potential side effects, including sedation, hypotension, and extrapyramidal symptoms, as noted in various studies 2, 3.
- A recent narrative review on the pathogenesis and treatment of perioperative hiccups highlights the importance of identifying the underlying cause of hiccups and using a multimodal approach to management, including preoperative risk stratification, intraoperative dynamic assessment, and postoperative safety protocols 1.
- Another study on the safety and efficacy of perioperative benzodiazepine administration suggests that benzodiazepines may be associated with adverse neuropsychiatric effects, and their use should be carefully considered in the perioperative period 4.
- Overall, the treatment of postoperative hiccups should prioritize simpler interventions and consider the potential risks and benefits of medication options, with Thorazine (chlorpromazine) being considered only in severe cases where other treatments have failed, as suggested by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.