The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest and aids breathing. A hiccup is a rhythmic spasm of the diaphragm. As the contraction occurs in the diaphragm, the vocal cords close suddenly and make the classic hiccup sound. Eating too much food, drinking too much alcohol and sudden temperature changes may trigger hiccups. Most often, the hiccups will stop by themselves without medical treatment. For hiccups caused by a medical condition or for persistent hiccups, a physician may prescribe a medication to treat the hiccups, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Chlorpromazine
Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic and anti-nausea medication. The prescription medication, available as a tablet, syrup, suppository or injection, helps treat intractable hiccups as well as schizophrenia, nausea and tetanus. To treat persistent hiccups, a physician prescribes oral doses of 25 to 50 mg three or four times per day, according to RxList.com. If the oral dose does not stop the hiccups, intramuscular injections or intravenous infusions may help. Dizziness, especially when moving from a lying or sitting position to standing, may occur due to decreased blood pressure from chlorpromazine.
Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide works to contract the muscles in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which helps treat conditions such as nausea and heartburn. This prescription medication may also help treat cases of persistent hiccups. The dosing of the medication varies among patients. Side effects of the anti-nausea medication include dizziness, drowsiness and diarrhea, according to Drugs.com. A serious side effect of metoclopramide is a condition called tardive dyskinesia, which causes repetitive movements of the mouth and tongue. The tardive dyskinesia may become permanent, especially with prolonged use of metoclopramide.
Baclofen
Baclofen treats persistent hiccups because the medication is a muscle relaxer and helps control spastic muscles. To treat hiccups, a physician prescribes baclofen in increasing oral doses. Beginning with 5 mg three times per day for three days, the physician increases the dose by 5 mg every three days until reaching 20 mg, according to Drugs.com. A maintenance dose may become necessary to treat the condition. Possible side effects of baclofen include drowsiness, nausea, insomnia and headaches.
