Four patients with intractable hiccup were treated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo, cross-over study with an analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid, Baclofen. There was a consistent and statistically significant (p = 0.03) improvement in hiccup severity with Baclofen, both subjectively (p = 0.03) and by hiccup-free periods (p = 0.003). ⋯ We propose that the mechanical aspects of hiccup are reduced by Baclofen, leading to a perceptual blockage and a decrease in the reflex severity induced by the gamma-aminobutyric acid analogue. We conclude that this medication may be useful for the treatment of intractable hiccup.
Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Am. J. Gastroenterol. 1992 Dec 1; 87 (12): 1789-91.
AbstractFour patients with intractable hiccup were treated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo, cross-over study with an analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid, Baclofen. There was a consistent and statistically significant (p = 0.03) improvement in hiccup severity with Baclofen, both subjectively (p = 0.03) and by hiccup-free periods (p = 0.003). The actual frequency of hiccup was not significantly altered by the medication. We propose that the mechanical aspects of hiccup are reduced by Baclofen, leading to a perceptual blockage and a decrease in the reflex severity induced by the gamma-aminobutyric acid analogue. We conclude that this medication may be useful for the treatment of intractable hiccup.