Drug-induced hiccup: a review of the French pharmacovigilance database

Hiccup is a sudden contraction of the inspiratory muscles, followed by an a brupt closure of the glottis, thus producing a characteristic sound, Some d rugs have been reported to induce hiccup. Using the French Pharmacovigilanc e Database, the aim of the present study was to investigate reports of such an adverse drug reaction (ADR). Between 1985 and 1997, 53 cases were repor ted to the French pharmacovigilance network. The sex ratio was 16.6. Mean a ge was 52 years (range 18-83). Of the total number, 23 per cent were relate d to corticosteroids, 15 per cent to psychiatric (mainly non-imipraminic an tidepressants), 13 per cent to neurologic (mainly dopaminergic antiparkinso nians), 12 per cent to anti-infectious (beta-lactams, macrolides, fluoroqui nolones), 7 per cent to cardiovascular (mainly digitalic compounds), 6 per cent to analgesic (opioid drugs), 6 per cent to non-steroidal antiinflammat ory drugs;... Rechallenge was positive in 7 cases. Two cases were 'serious' according to the WHO definition. The diagnosis of drug-induced hiccup is d ifficult and often achieved only by a process of elimination. The mechanism of this drug-induced ADR remains often not clearly explained.