Treatment of intractable hiccup with baclofen: results of a double-blind randomized, controlled, cross-over study

Am J Gastroenterol. 1992 Dec;87(12):1789-91.

Abstract

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). 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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Baclofen / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Hiccup / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Baclofen