SENDROM, vol.14, no.12, pp.70-73, 2002 (Scopus)
Hiccup is a sudden contraction of the inspiratory muscles, followed by an abrupt closure of the glottis, thus producing a characteristic "hiccupping" sound. This is a physiologic phenomenon, which already exists in utero. Benign hiccups are mostly associated with gastric distention or alcohol intake, resolve spontaneously or with simple folk remedies and do not require medical attention. Intractable hiccup is a rare but potentially severe condition, that can be symptomatic of a variety of diseases, or idiopathic. If simple physical maneuvers and causal therapy fail, or causal therapy is impossible, the treatment of choice is medical. A large number of medications including carbamazapine, chlorpromazine, metoclopramide have been used in treatment of intractable hiccup. Recently, baclofen has emerged as a safe and most effective treatment for intractable hiccups.