Metoclopramide for patients with intractable hiccups: a multicentre, randomised, controlled pilot study

Limited data exist regarding the efficacy of metoclopramide in the treatment of intractable hiccups.

This study aimed to assess the feasibility efficacy of metoclopramide in the treatment of patients with intractable hiccups.

A total of 36 patients with intractable hiccups was randomly assigned to arm A (n = 18) or arm B (n = 18) in a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, controlled pilot study. Participants in arm A received 10-mg metoclopramide thrice daily for 15 days, whereas those assigned to arm B received 10-mg placebo thrice daily for 15 days. The primary outcome measure was total efficacy against hiccups (including cessation and improvement of hiccups). Secondary outcome measures included a comparison of overall efficacy and adverse events between the two arms.

Of the 36 patients enrolled, 34 participants completed the study. The total efficacy was higher in arm A than in arm B (relative risk, 2.75; 95% confidence interval: 1.09-6.94, P = 0.03). Furthermore, comparison between the two arms revealed that overall efficacy was higher in arm A than that in arm B (P < 0.05). No serious adverse events related to the treatment were documented in either arm. The most common adverse events occurring in patients in arm A included fatigue, upset mood and dizziness.

Metoclopramide appears to be a promising candidate for the treatment of patients with intractable hiccups, with mild adverse events. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these results.