How do you manage intractable hiccups from radiation?
Have you found any of the more common medical treatments (chlorpromazine, baclofen) to be most effective in the setting of throacic radiation or head and neck radiation?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
Hiccups can be extremely vexing for patients while they receive radiotherapy. I gauge my need for medical intervention based on their history of hiccup frequency and pattern through the day (e.g., night-time hiccups only), as well as the kind of other interventions the patient may have attempted. I&...
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Radiation Oncologist at USC Keck School of Medicine IM/IV injection of 25mg as first dose is often eff...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
In addition to chlorpromazine, several low cost interventions such granulated sugar (NEJM 1971), lemon with angostura bitters (NEJM 1981), or digital rectal exam (J Intern Med 1990), or perhaps acupuncture, may be successful in interrupting the hiccup cycle. Gabapentin has also been reported as eff...
IM/IV injection of 25mg as first dose is often eff...