Novel Use of Amantadine: To Treat Hiccups

Persistent hiccups may have a considerable impact on general health through disturbance of diet, sleep, and mood. They can cause exhaustion, malnutrition, dehydration, wound dehiscence, and even death in extreme cases. We report a complex clinical case of intractable hiccups in a patient with cancer of the pancreas and Parkinson's disease and some of the problems encountered when attempting symptom control. We also discuss a potential therapeutic response to a novel agent, amantadine, unlicensed in the treatment Of hiccups. J Pain Symptom Manage 2009;38:460-465. (C) 2009 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.