BRAND NAME: Dolobid
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Diflunisal is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Since the response to different NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is not unusual for a doctor to try different NSAIDs for any given condition.
PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: tablets: 250mg, 500mg

STORAGE: Store at room temperature.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Diflunisal is used for the treatment of inflammation and pain that results from many forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis, and bursitis. Diflunisal is immediately released into the blood and is also used for rapid relief of mild to moderate pain and menstrual cramps.

DOSING: Should be taken with food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Diflunisal should be avoided by patients with a history of asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions have been reported in such individuals. It also should be avoided by patients with peptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this medication can aggravate both conditions. Diflunisal is generally used with caution in patients taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin), because of increased risk of bleeding. Patients also taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune) can develop kidney toxicity. It is not recommended in children under 12 years of age. Diflunisal is not habit forming. NSAIDs should be discontinued prior to elective surgery because of a mild tendency to interfere with blood clotting. Diflunisal is best discontinued at least five days in advance of the procedure.

Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day are at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking diflunisal or other NSAIDs.

PREGNANCY: Diflunisal is generally avoided during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Diflunisal is generally avoided in nursing mothers.

SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from diflunisal and other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur, and generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is often desirable to use the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common side effects of diflunisal involve the gastrointestinal system. It can cause ulcerations, abdominal burning, pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even serious gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity. Sometimes, stomach ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in the ears, and lightheadedness are also seen.