Diflunisal
Purpose of Medication and Method of Action
Diflunisal is a derivative of aspirin. It is a non-steroidal drug used for the treatment of conditions characterized by inflammation including: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It acts by inhibiting prostaglandin synthase, a key step in the inflammatory process cascade.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and include: nausea, dyspepsia, pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. Other common side effects include: drowsiness, ringing in the ears, rash, tiredness and a rash.
Drug Interactions
Combining diflunisal and aspirin is not recommended. Diflunisal may decrease the effect of ACE-inhibitors used in treating hypertension. Occasionally, it may inhibit the diuretic effect of thiazide-like compounds. The metabolism of methotrexate (MTX) may be reduced requiring a reduction in MTX dose to avoid increasing MTX side effects. Diflunisal should be avoided in patients taking warfarin-like anticoagulants.
Cautions and Contraindications
Use with extreme caution in patients with a history of gastric bleeding with other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Usual Dose
1000 mg initially followed by 250-500 mg every 8-12 hours.
Patient Medication Information
These information sheets do not list all known side effects of the medications, only the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects please contact your local pharmacy or the actual drug manufacturing company.