The Mayo Clinic indicates that hiccups occurs as a result of involuntary diaphragmatic (muscle at the lower part of the lung) contractions. Specific manifestations of hiccups include chest, stomach or throat tightening before the characteristic hiccup and its sound. The Mayo Clinic says people can experience between four to 60 hiccups in a minute.
Chlorpromazine
According to Drugs.com, chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat hiccups. Chlorpromazine belongs to a class of drugs called phenothiazines and is also used to treat such psychiatric disorders as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and behavioral issues in children. Other uses of chlorpromazine include treating anxiety, nausea or vomiting before surgery and tetanus manifestations.
Drugs.com says chlorpromazine's side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, nasal congestion, breast swelling, menstrual irregularities and constipation. Its severe effects include seizures, tremors, agitation, restlessness, confusion, muscle stiffness, infrequent urination, a slow heartbeat and slow breathing. Chlorpromazine can also increase the risk of sun sensitivity. Sunburns and skin blistering can result while taking chlorpromazine.
Chlorpromazine is a tablet taken as the doctor directs.
Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide, like chlorpromazine, is a medication used to manage hiccups. MedlinePlus says metoclopramide is also used to treat heartburn, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain and bloating. Its effects include restlessness, drowsiness, constipation, diarrhea and fatigue, says MedlinePlus. In some cases, metoclopramide can also cause neck, face or jaw muscle spasms, depression and strange movements of the eyes, legs or arms. Strange movements are medically known as tardive dyskinesias.
Metoclopramide is taken as a liquid or tablet for the amount of time and dosage specified.
Baclofen
Like metoclopramide and chlorpromazine, baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to manage hiccups. MedlinePlus says baclofen also treats muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord problems.
Baclofen's side effects include dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, confusion, stomach problems, seizures and trouble breathing, says MedlinePlus. Taking baclofen while having liver or kidney problems, ulcers, epilepsy, a psychiatric problem, rheumatic disease or cerebral palsy may make baclofen less effective.
Baclofen is a tablet typically taken three times a day.
