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Hiccups with high dose dexamethasone administration: a case report
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Bouve College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Cancer
|January 28, 1998
Summary
High-dose dexamethasone therapy for multiple myeloma can cause intractable hiccups. Low-dose metoclopramide effectively managed these debilitating hiccups, allowing continued dexamethasone treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
Background:
- A patient with multiple myeloma experienced severe, persistent hiccups during high-dose dexamethasone treatment.
- The hiccups began shortly after dexamethasone administration and lasted for the duration of the therapy, significantly impacting the patient's quality of life.
Observation:
- A clear temporal association was observed between dexamethasone administration and the onset of intractable hiccups.
- The patient's hiccups were refractory to home remedies, necessitating medical intervention.
Findings:
- Dexamethasone was identified as the causative agent for the patient's intractable hiccups.
- Low-dose oral metoclopramide administration successfully prevented the recurrence of hiccups.
- The patient was able to continue essential dexamethasone therapy without interruption due to hiccup management.
Implications:
- High-dose dexamethasone is a potential cause of intractable hiccups in patients with multiple myeloma.
- Metoclopramide serves as an effective prophylactic or therapeutic agent for managing dexamethasone-induced hiccups.
- This approach allows for the continuation of vital dexamethasone treatment in patients experiencing this side effect.