Baclofen in the treatment of persistent hiccup: A case series

Background Persistent hiccup is a worrying symptom both for patients, because of reduced quality of life, and for physicians, because of frustration for unsuccessful treatments. Aim To test baclofen administration for the treatment of persistent hiccup. Method We report a series of seven patients affected by persistent hiccup successfully treated with baclofen. Results Hiccup stopped in all patients after a single administration of the drug. Conclusions Baclofen is a GABAB receptor agonist. It is conceivable that the reduction of dopamine release by GABAB receptor stimulation is able to interrupt hiccup's reflex arc. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.