Related Experiment Videos
Nifedipine for intractable hiccups
D C Lipps1, B Jabbari, M H Mitchell
1Neurology Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001.
Neurology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, effectively treated intractable hiccups in some patients. Four out of seven patients experienced complete relief, with one showing improvement, highlighting its potential therapeutic role.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intractable hiccups present a significant clinical challenge.
- Limited effective treatment options exist for persistent hiccups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, in managing intractable hiccups.
Main Methods:
- Seven patients with intractable hiccups were administered daily doses of nifedipine (30-60 mg).
- Treatment outcomes including complete resolution and partial improvement were monitored.
Main Results:
- Nifedipine successfully stopped hiccups in 4 out of 7 patients.
- An additional patient experienced improvement in hiccup symptoms.
- Hiccups recurred within 24 hours in 2 patients upon drug discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- Nifedipine demonstrates potential as an effective treatment for some cases of intractable hiccups.
- The calcium channel blocker may offer a viable therapeutic option for refractory hiccup cases.