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

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.

• Authors: F C Ramírez, D Y Graham
• Journal: The American journal of gastroenterology (Am J Gastroenterol) Vol. 87 Issue 12 Pg. 1789-91 (Dec 1992) ISSN: 0002-9270 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1449142 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, 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.)

Chemical References

• Baclofen

Topics

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