Xeforapid and Hiccups
There is no evidence in the medical literature that Xeforapid causes hiccups. The drug name "Xeforapid" does not appear in any established medical databases, guidelines, or research literature, suggesting it may be a non-existent medication, a regional brand name not widely documented, or potentially a misspelling.
Medications Known to Cause Hiccups
While Xeforapid is not documented as causing hiccups, several other medications are well-established culprits:
Chemotherapy Agents
- Pulsed cyclophosphamide is documented to cause hiccups as a recognized side effect when used for severe or recalcitrant pemphigus vulgaris 1
- This occurs particularly with intravenous administration in combination with dexamethasone or methylprednisolone 1
Corticosteroids
- High-dose dexamethasone can cause intractable hiccups that persist for the duration of therapy 2
- The hiccups typically begin hours after the first dose and continue over the treatment period 2
Other Documented Medications
- Tramadol has been reported to induce hiccups, likely through effects on dopamine, serotonin, and GABA neurotransmitters 3
- Aripiprazole in combination with methylphenidate has caused hiccups in adolescent patients 4
- Cefotaxime (an antibiotic) has been reported as a rare cause of drug-induced hiccups 5
Clinical Approach if Hiccups Occur
If a patient develops hiccups while taking any medication (including an unidentified drug like "Xeforapid"):
First-Line Treatment Options
- Baclofen 5-10 mg three times daily is recommended as an effective alternative 6
- Metoclopramide 10-20 mg orally or IV every 4-6 hours has shown efficacy for persistent hiccups 6, 2
- Lorazepam 0.5-2 mg every 4-6 hours may be helpful, especially when anxiety contributes 1, 6
Alternative Agents
- Haloperidol at low doses (0.5-2 mg) can be used as an alternative antipsychotic with anti-hiccup properties 6
- Consider gastroesophageal reflux as a treatable cause and add H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors 6
Important Considerations
- Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms with antipsychotics 6
- Use around-the-clock scheduled dosing instead of PRN dosing for persistent hiccups 6
- Consider discontinuing the offending medication if drug-induced hiccups are suspected 1
- Patients with hiccups lasting more than 48 hours should undergo thorough diagnostic workup including chest X-ray or CT 7