Diaphragm is a membrane which runs across the bottom-end of your thorax. This muscle-like sheet plays a critical role in respiration. This sheet separates your abdomen from the thoracic area. An involuntary jerk of the diaphragm is called a hiccup. This makes this sheet to contract. Hiccups are involuntary actions, triggered by a reflex. It is quickly followed by closure of your vocal cord; this results in a peculiar sound resembling “hick”. Can you a medicine called baclofen for hiccups? It is useful to have additional information on this.
Hiccups may show up as a stary event or may occur as bouts. The time taken in between each “hick” sound remain the same. Bouts are usually treated through home-based remedies. Hiccups can occur among people of all age groups. However, as you age, they occur at lesser frequencies. Clinical treatment is needed when it turns into a chronic condition.
In this light, what is baclofen?
This med is a relaxant administered for treating spasticity of muscles. As an off-label use, it is also taken for the treatment of substance abuse disorders as well as to manage withdrawal symptoms among people living with opioid addiction. It is viewed as more effective than drugs like clonidine, etc. As euphoric sensations are an outcome of using baclofen, there have been some cases of baclofen abuse.
Baclofen
Baclofen is one of the derivatives of GABA i.e., gamma-aminobutyric acid. This substance is a neuro-transmitting chemical. Key ingredients of this relaxant are known to be readily absorbed all through your body. Its bio-transforming capability is low. Owing to this, it is discharged through your renal system without much processing.
One of the unique things about baclofen is its half-life period; its hovers at ~ 3 hours. A minimal half-life is a prime reason for to be administered at regular intervals within a day.
Baclofen for hiccups
Baclofen is a GABA receptor-agonist. Research studies on this med indicate that decrease in the release of dopamine leads to stopping of the hiccup-reflex. Drop in neuro transmitters is considered one of the key reasons for stopping these reflexes. Baclofen is known to be effective in stopping hiccups originating through various triggers.
The typical signs of a hiccup include spasms, tremors, etc. You may get it due to several reasons: key among them is food getting stuck inside your food pipe, incidence of heartburn or acid reflux, eating too fast, intake of a spicy diet, laughing too much, etc.
In a few remote cases, a hiccup is a sign of myocardial infarction or such cardiac disorders. On such instances, you are advised to rush to a healthcare setting or seek emergency support from a hospital or clinic.
Pointers you need to stay aware of while using baclofen for hiccups
Baclofen may cause a few side effects; common ones include nausea, hypotension or a marked drop in blood pressure, spells of migraines, difficulties to pass stools, etc. Most of these are labelled as milder side effects, and may stop after some days. But, if one or more of these adverse effects persist, talk to your caregiving team without any further delay.
In some cases, while using baclofen for hiccups, you may witness severe effects like seizures, convulsions or fits, drowsiness, difficulties to discharge urine, being anxious or in an agitated state of mind. Upon sensing any of these severe effects, call your caregiver immediately. Those in US may dial 911 or reach out emergency help center of food & drug administration.
On the other hand, if you are a resident of a Canadian province, call Health Canada or rush to a poison management cell closer to where you live. Last but not least, if you aim to know more about using baclofen for hiccups, talk to your treating physician before commencing your medication plan.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Epidemiology from Harvard University. Experience: 10 years of writing experience, including articles on infectious diseases and public health for leading health publications and research blogs.
