Medicines and Products for Hiccups

Most hiccups need no medicine. Persistent or intractable hiccups are treated by a doctor, who also looks for the cause.

First, treat the cause

• Acid reflux: medicines that lower stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors, if your doctor advises
• Medicine side effects: your doctor may change or stop the medicine
• Electrolyte or kidney problems: treated directly
• Nerve irritation or other conditions: treated by the relevant specialist

Medicines doctors may use for persistent hiccups

• Chlorpromazine is commonly used, but it can cause drowsiness and low blood pressure.
• Metoclopramide, baclofen and gabapentin are other options doctors sometimes try.
• Evidence for these medicines is limited and mostly from small studies, and each has side effects.
• In severe cases, nerve procedures may be considered by specialists.

Safety

• Do not use these medicines on your own. They need a prescription and checks for other illnesses and medicines.
• Baclofen and gabapentin need care with kidney problems.
• Pregnant women and older adults need extra caution.

Over-the-counter and Ayurvedic products

Antacids may help if reflux is the cause. Evidence that herbal products stop hiccups is limited, and they should not delay medical review. Avoid giving any medicine or herbal remedy to babies without a paediatrician's advice.

Key point

Seek medical advice before using any medicine for hiccups that last more than 48 hours.

Before your appointment

Note when the hiccups began, how long they last, what seems to trigger or ease them, and whether they disturb sleep or eating. List all medicines, alcohol use, recent surgery and any reflux, chest pain, weakness or breathing trouble. Bring past reports. Ask about tests, treatment options and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.