
GENERIC NAME: diflunisal
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.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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