Other pharmacologic agents
Haloperidol, a first-generation antipsychotic, has been used successfully in some cases of chronic hiccups.[39]Ives TJ, Fleming MF, Weart CW, et al. Treatment of intractable hiccups with intramuscular haloperidol. Am J Psychiatry. 1985 Nov;142(11):1368-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4061698?tool=bestpractice.com
However, it is limited by its side effects of central nervous system depression, orthostasis, and extrapyramidal effects at high doses. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant, has also shown therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of hiccups.[4]Porzio G, Aielli F, Verna L, et al. Gabapentin in the treatment of hiccups in patients with advanced cancer: a 5-year experience. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2010 Jul;33(4):179-80.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20414106?tool=bestpractice.com
[40]Hernández JL, Pajarón M, García-Regata O, et al. Gabapentin for intractable hiccup. Am J Med. 2004 Aug 15;117(4):279-81.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15308440?tool=bestpractice.com
[41]Alonso-Navarro H, Rubio L, Jiménez-Jiménez FJ. Refractory hiccup: successful treatment with gabapentin. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2007 May-Jun;30(3):186-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17545753?tool=bestpractice.com
[42]Thompson DF, Brooks KG. Gabapentin therapy of hiccups. Ann Pharmacother. 2013 Jun;47(6):897-903.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23673537?tool=bestpractice.com
[43]Carbone MG, Tagliarini C, Della Rocca F, et al. Protracted hiccups induced by aripiprazole and regressed after administration of gabapentin. Case Rep Psychiatry. 2021 Apr 22;2021:5567152.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crips/2021/5567152
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33976948?tool=bestpractice.com
Both haloperidol and gabapentin are promising drugs for treating chronic hiccups, but further clinical trials are needed.