The elderly person has been hiccuping continuously after taking the medication.

In general, persistent hiccups in elderly individuals after taking medication may be caused by factors such as drug side effects, overdose, or acid reflux. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Drug Side Effects

Certain medications can cause gastrointestinal discomfort—for example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cardiovascular medications—whose side effects may lead to hiccups.

2. Overdose

Elderly individuals may misuse medications by exceeding the recommended dosage or altering administration methods arbitrarily, resulting in drug overdose and subsequent drug-induced reactions that trigger hiccups.

3. Acid Reflux

Some older adults may have pre-existing acid reflux issues. Medications that irritate the gastric mucosa can stimulate the pyloric sphincter, causing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and irritate the throat, potentially leading to hiccups.

Besides these common causes, hiccups might also result from neurological dysfunction, gastroenteritis, gallstones, or other conditions. It is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate targeted treatment.