Diflunisal

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Diflunisal
Systematic (IUPAC) name
5-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid
Identifiers
CAS number 22494-42-4
ATC code N02BA11
PubChem 3059
DrugBank APRD00922
Chemical data
Formula C13H8F2O3 
Mol. mass 250.198 g/mol
SMILES eMolecules & PubChem
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 80-90%
Protein binding >99%
Metabolism Hepatic
Half life 8 to 12 hours
Excretion Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.

C(AU) C(US)

Legal status

POM(UK) -only(US)

Routes Oral

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.

[edit] Overdose

Deaths that have occurred from diflunisal usually involved mixed drugs and or extremely high dosages. The oral LD50 is 500 mg/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 500 mg, thus it is relatively hard to overdose by accident.

[edit] Abuse

This medication has no side effects like those of recreational drugs. Therefore it has no chance of misuse.

Indicated for:
  • Pain, mild-moderate
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Injury to tendons
  • Inflammation

Do not cut/crush/chew. Monitor blood pressure. Use lowest effective dose for shortest duration.

Side effects:

Cardiovascular:

  • Irregular heart beat (!)
  • This medication may increase risk of serious and potentially fatal cardiovascular thrombotic events, MI, and stroke (!)
  • Risk may increase with duration of use (!)
  • Increased risk for Cardiovascular disease history (!)
  • Contraindicated for Heart Bypass peri-op pain (!)

Ear, nose, and throat:

  • Ringing in the ears (!)

Eye:

  • Yellowing of eyes (!)

Gastrointestinal:

  • Increased risk of serious GI adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and stomach or intestine perforation which can be fatal: may occur at any time during use and without warning. Elderly at greater risk for serious GI events (!)
  • Abdominal pain and cramps
  • Constipation
  • Gas & Flatulence
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea & Vomiting
  • Dyspepsia

Central Nervous System:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Somnolence

Psychiatric:

  • Nervousness

Skin:

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

Contraindications:

  • Hypersensitivity to aspirin/NSAID-induced asthma or urticaria
  • Aspirin triad
  • Pregnancy 3rd trimester
  • CABG surgery (peri-op pain)

Cautions:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cardiac risk factors
  • Hypertension
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Elderly or debilitated
  • Impaired liver function
  • Impaired kidney function
  • Dehydration
  • Fluid retention
  • GI bleed history/PUD
  • Asthma
  • Coagulopathy
  • Smoker
  • Corticosteriod use
  • Anticoagulant use
  • Alcohol use
  • Diuretic use
  • ACE Inhibitor use
  • Prolonged use

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.

[edit] External links