Diflunisal is a generic NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug). It is often used under the brand name Dolobid® marketed by Merck & Co.. Diflunisal acts by inhibiting the production of prostaglandin, a hormone that creates inflammation and stimulates the neuro receptors for pain. Though Diflunisal has an onset of 1 hour, and maximum analgesia at 2 to 3 hours, the diflunisal plasma levels will not be steady until repeated doesages are achieved. To increase the rate at which the diflunisal plasma levels become steady, a loading dose is usually used. It is primarily used to treat symptoms of arthritis.

Overdose

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Deaths that have occurred from Diflunisal usually involved mixed drugs and or extremely high dosages. The oral LD50 is 500mg/kg. Symptoms of overdose include, coma, tachycardia, stupor, and vomiting. The lowest dose without the presence of other medicines which caused death was 15 grams. Mixed with other medicines, a death at 7.5 grams has also occurred. Diflunisal usually comes in 250 or 500mg, thus it is relatively hard to overdose by accident.

External links

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• Arthritis
• Injury to tendons
• Inflammation

Abuse:

• This medication has no side effects like those of recreational drugs

Cardiovascular:

• Irregular heart beat (!)

Ear, nose, and throat:

• Ringing in the ears (!)

Eye:

• Yellowing of eyes (!)

Gastrointestinal:

• Stomach pain and cramps
• Constipation
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Central Nervous System:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache

Psychiatric:

• Nervousness

Skin:

• Swelling of the feet, ankles, lower legs, and hands (!)
• Yellowing of skin (!)

Precautions:

• If symptoms labeled, (!), appear, stop usage immediately and contact your doctor.
• Overdose is possible and deaths have occurred.
• Do not take while on other pain medications.
• Do not take while pregnant or breast feeding.

Indicated for:

Side effects:

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a684037.html
• http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/Datasheet/discontinued/ansaltab.htm
• Dolobid Prescribing Information (manufacturer's website)
• Dolobid Medication Guide (manufacturer's website)
• Diflunisal (patient information)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Diflunisal