Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting

Srinu Deshidi; Gaurav Mahajan; Rakesh Ram; Viswanath Kamisetty; Venu Gongati; Gongala Harshvardhan Reddy; Bhaskar Kante; Sreekanth Appasani

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17

Case Report |

| Peer-Reviewed

Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting

Srinu Deshidi^*

, Gaurav Mahajan

, Rakesh Ram

, Viswanath Kamisetty

, Venu Gongati

, Gongala Harshvardhan Reddy

, Bhaskar Kante

, Sreekanth Appasani

Published in International Journal of Gastroenterology (Volume 9, Issue 1)

Received: 8 May 2025 Accepted: 19 May 2025 Published: 18 June 2025

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Abstract

Background: Hiccups are common and typically self-limiting condition but can become persistent or intractable in certain conditions. Hiccups commonly occur due to rapid gastric distension, which is often triggered by quickly eating a large meal or consuming carbonated drinks. Other contributing factors include alcohol intake, spicy foods, smoking, and various irritants affecting the gastrointestinal or respiratory systems. Oesophageal stenting is a recognized, though rare, cause of persistent hiccups, usually managed effectively with baclofen. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 64-year-old man with a refractory corrosive oesophageal stricture who developed persistent hiccups following placement of a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (fcSEMS) for oesophageal stricture management. Despite treatment with proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, baclofen, and chlorpromazine, his symptoms persisted. Initiation of oral haloperidol (1 mg three times daily) led to rapid and complete resolution of hiccups within 36 hours, with no recurrence. Haloperidol continued for two weeks, then gradually tapered over the following two weeks before being discontinued. The stent was removed after four weeks, revealing successful stricture dilatation. Conclusion: Haloperidol may be considered as a therapeutic option for managing persistent hiccups induced by oesophageal stenting when baclofen fails. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful haloperidol use in such a scenario.

Published in	International Journal of Gastroenterology (Volume 9, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17
Page(s)	41-44
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Persistent Hiccups, Baclofen, Haloperidol, Oesophageal Stenting

References

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[3]	Turkyilmaz A, Eroglu A. Use of baclofen in the treatment of esophageal stent-related hiccups. Ann Thorac Surg. 2008 Jan; 85(1): 328-30.
[4]	Cole JA, Plewa MC. Singultus. 2019 [cited 2024 Apr 4]; Available from: https://europepmc.org/books/nbk538225
[5]	Steger M, Schneemann M, Fox M. Systemic review: the pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment of hiccups. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015; 42(9): 1037-50.
[6]	Rouse S, Wodziak M. Intractable Hiccups. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2018 Jun 22; 18(8): 51.
[7]	Hindy P, Hong J, Lam-Tsai Y, Gress F. A Comprehensive Review of Esophageal Stents. Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012 Aug; 8(8): 526-34.
[8]	Turkyilmaz A, Eroglu A, Aydin Y, Kurt A, Bilen Y, Karaoglanoglu N. Complications of metallic stent placement in malignant esophageal stricture and their management. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2010 Feb; 20(1): 10-5.
[9]	Eroglu A. Treatment of complications caused by metallic stent placement in esophageal cancer. Turk J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2016 Oct 31; 24: 703-10.
[10]	Katsinelos P, Pilpilidis J, Xiarchos P, Christodoulou K, Papagianis A, Amperiadis P, et al. Baclofen Therapy for Intractable Hiccups Induced by Ultraflex Esophageal Endoprosthesis. Off J Am Coll Gastroenterol ACG. 2000 Oct; 95(10): 2986.
[11]	Arsanious D, Khoury S, Martinez E, Nawras A, Filatoff G, Ajabnoor H, et al. Ultrasound-guided phrenic nerve block for intractable hiccups following placement of esophageal stent for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Pain Physician. 2016; 19(4): E653.
[12]	Kuusniemi K, Pyylampi V. Phrenic nerve block with ultrasound-guidance for treatment of hiccups: a case report. Journal of medical case reports. 2011 Dec; 5: 1-3.
[13]	Ives TJ, Fleming MF, Weart CW, Bloch D. Treatment of intractable hiccups with intramuscular haloperidol. Am J Psychiatry. 1985 Nov; 142(11): 1368-9.

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APA Style

Deshidi, S., Mahajan, G., Ram, R., Kamisetty, V., Gongati, V., et al. (2025). Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting. International Journal of Gastroenterology, 9(1), 41-44. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17

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ACS Style

Deshidi, S.; Mahajan, G.; Ram, R.; Kamisetty, V.; Gongati, V., et al. Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting. Int. J. Gastroenterol. 2025, 9(1), 41-44. doi: 10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17

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AMA Style

Deshidi S, Mahajan G, Ram R, Kamisetty V, Gongati V, et al. Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting. Int J Gastroenterol. 2025;9(1):41-44. doi: 10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17

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@article{10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17,
  author = {Srinu Deshidi and Gaurav Mahajan and Rakesh Ram and Viswanath Kamisetty and Venu Gongati and Gongala Harshvardhan Reddy and Bhaskar Kante and Sreekanth Appasani},
  title = {Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting
},
  journal = {International Journal of Gastroenterology},
  volume = {9},
  number = {1},
  pages = {41-44},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijg.20250901.17},
  abstract = {Background: Hiccups are common and typically self-limiting condition but can become persistent or intractable in certain conditions. Hiccups commonly occur due to rapid gastric distension, which is often triggered by quickly eating a large meal or consuming carbonated drinks. Other contributing factors include alcohol intake, spicy foods, smoking, and various irritants affecting the gastrointestinal or respiratory systems. Oesophageal stenting is a recognized, though rare, cause of persistent hiccups, usually managed effectively with baclofen. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 64-year-old man with a refractory corrosive oesophageal stricture who developed persistent hiccups following placement of a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (fcSEMS) for oesophageal stricture management. Despite treatment with proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, baclofen, and chlorpromazine, his symptoms persisted. Initiation of oral haloperidol (1 mg three times daily) led to rapid and complete resolution of hiccups within 36 hours, with no recurrence. Haloperidol continued for two weeks, then gradually tapered over the following two weeks before being discontinued. The stent was removed after four weeks, revealing successful stricture dilatation. Conclusion: Haloperidol may be considered as a therapeutic option for managing persistent hiccups induced by oesophageal stenting when baclofen fails. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful haloperidol use in such a scenario.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting

AU  - Srinu Deshidi
AU  - Gaurav Mahajan
AU  - Rakesh Ram
AU  - Viswanath Kamisetty
AU  - Venu Gongati
AU  - Gongala Harshvardhan Reddy
AU  - Bhaskar Kante
AU  - Sreekanth Appasani
Y1  - 2025/06/18
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17
T2  - International Journal of Gastroenterology
JF  - International Journal of Gastroenterology
JO  - International Journal of Gastroenterology
SP  - 41
EP  - 44
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-169X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17
AB  - Background: Hiccups are common and typically self-limiting condition but can become persistent or intractable in certain conditions. Hiccups commonly occur due to rapid gastric distension, which is often triggered by quickly eating a large meal or consuming carbonated drinks. Other contributing factors include alcohol intake, spicy foods, smoking, and various irritants affecting the gastrointestinal or respiratory systems. Oesophageal stenting is a recognized, though rare, cause of persistent hiccups, usually managed effectively with baclofen. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 64-year-old man with a refractory corrosive oesophageal stricture who developed persistent hiccups following placement of a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (fcSEMS) for oesophageal stricture management. Despite treatment with proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, baclofen, and chlorpromazine, his symptoms persisted. Initiation of oral haloperidol (1 mg three times daily) led to rapid and complete resolution of hiccups within 36 hours, with no recurrence. Haloperidol continued for two weeks, then gradually tapered over the following two weeks before being discontinued. The stent was removed after four weeks, revealing successful stricture dilatation. Conclusion: Haloperidol may be considered as a therapeutic option for managing persistent hiccups induced by oesophageal stenting when baclofen fails. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful haloperidol use in such a scenario.

VL  - 9
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Srinu Deshidi

Department of Gastroenterology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-7917-1774
Gaurav Mahajan

Department of Gastroenterology, Indian Naval Hospital Ship (INHS) Asvini, Mumbai, India

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5646-0634
Rakesh Ram

Department of Gastroenterology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0291-1663c
Viswanath Kamisetty

Department of Gastroenterology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6985-0511
Venu Gongati

Department of Gastroenterology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India

http://orcid.org/0009-0009-4193-8007
Gongala Harshvardhan Reddy

Department of Gastroenterology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-7571-7112
Bhaskar Kante

Department of Gastroenterology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5363-7273
Sreekanth Appasani

Department of Gastroenterology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4561-1265

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Deshidi, S., Mahajan, G., Ram, R., Kamisetty, V., Gongati, V., et al. (2025). Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting. International Journal of Gastroenterology, 9(1), 41-44. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17

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ACS Style

Deshidi, S.; Mahajan, G.; Ram, R.; Kamisetty, V.; Gongati, V., et al. Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting. Int. J. Gastroenterol. 2025, 9(1), 41-44. doi: 10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17

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AMA Style

Deshidi S, Mahajan G, Ram R, Kamisetty V, Gongati V, et al. Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting. Int J Gastroenterol. 2025;9(1):41-44. doi: 10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17,
  author = {Srinu Deshidi and Gaurav Mahajan and Rakesh Ram and Viswanath Kamisetty and Venu Gongati and Gongala Harshvardhan Reddy and Bhaskar Kante and Sreekanth Appasani},
  title = {Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting
},
  journal = {International Journal of Gastroenterology},
  volume = {9},
  number = {1},
  pages = {41-44},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijg.20250901.17},
  abstract = {Background: Hiccups are common and typically self-limiting condition but can become persistent or intractable in certain conditions. Hiccups commonly occur due to rapid gastric distension, which is often triggered by quickly eating a large meal or consuming carbonated drinks. Other contributing factors include alcohol intake, spicy foods, smoking, and various irritants affecting the gastrointestinal or respiratory systems. Oesophageal stenting is a recognized, though rare, cause of persistent hiccups, usually managed effectively with baclofen. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 64-year-old man with a refractory corrosive oesophageal stricture who developed persistent hiccups following placement of a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (fcSEMS) for oesophageal stricture management. Despite treatment with proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, baclofen, and chlorpromazine, his symptoms persisted. Initiation of oral haloperidol (1 mg three times daily) led to rapid and complete resolution of hiccups within 36 hours, with no recurrence. Haloperidol continued for two weeks, then gradually tapered over the following two weeks before being discontinued. The stent was removed after four weeks, revealing successful stricture dilatation. Conclusion: Haloperidol may be considered as a therapeutic option for managing persistent hiccups induced by oesophageal stenting when baclofen fails. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful haloperidol use in such a scenario.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Successful Use of Haloperidol for Persistent Hiccups Unresponsive to Baclofen After Esophageal Stenting

AU  - Srinu Deshidi
AU  - Gaurav Mahajan
AU  - Rakesh Ram
AU  - Viswanath Kamisetty
AU  - Venu Gongati
AU  - Gongala Harshvardhan Reddy
AU  - Bhaskar Kante
AU  - Sreekanth Appasani
Y1  - 2025/06/18
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17
T2  - International Journal of Gastroenterology
JF  - International Journal of Gastroenterology
JO  - International Journal of Gastroenterology
SP  - 41
EP  - 44
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-169X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijg.20250901.17
AB  - Background: Hiccups are common and typically self-limiting condition but can become persistent or intractable in certain conditions. Hiccups commonly occur due to rapid gastric distension, which is often triggered by quickly eating a large meal or consuming carbonated drinks. Other contributing factors include alcohol intake, spicy foods, smoking, and various irritants affecting the gastrointestinal or respiratory systems. Oesophageal stenting is a recognized, though rare, cause of persistent hiccups, usually managed effectively with baclofen. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 64-year-old man with a refractory corrosive oesophageal stricture who developed persistent hiccups following placement of a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (fcSEMS) for oesophageal stricture management. Despite treatment with proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, baclofen, and chlorpromazine, his symptoms persisted. Initiation of oral haloperidol (1 mg three times daily) led to rapid and complete resolution of hiccups within 36 hours, with no recurrence. Haloperidol continued for two weeks, then gradually tapered over the following two weeks before being discontinued. The stent was removed after four weeks, revealing successful stricture dilatation. Conclusion: Haloperidol may be considered as a therapeutic option for managing persistent hiccups induced by oesophageal stenting when baclofen fails. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful haloperidol use in such a scenario.

VL  - 9
IS  - 1
ER  -

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