Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Dec 2009
Case ReportsSevere hiccups during chemotherapy: corticosteroids the likely culprit.
Hiccups generally are self-limiting and of short duration. Those lasting more than 48 h or recurring at frequent intervals are termed persistent. There are numerous causes of hiccups, with medications implicated only rarely. ⋯ Antineoplastic agents have occasionally been reported as causing hiccups; however, in most of these cases, corticosteroids, as part of the treatment protocol or as antiemetics, may have been a more likely cause. This case serves an as important reminder that adverse effects appearing during chemotherapy may not necessarily be due to antineoplastic agents. In the case of hiccups, oncology health professionals should review all medications and non drug-related factors before assigning causality.