Diflunisal is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. It works by blocking the production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. It is usually taken once or twice daily with food. Common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and headache.
Diflunisal is a medication classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) [1, 2]. NSAIDs are a class of drugs commonly used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. Here's a closer look at diflunisal:
Function: Diflunisal works by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the body [1, 3]. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances involved in pain, inflammation, and fever. By inhibiting their production, diflunisal helps alleviate these symptoms.
Uses: Diflunisal is primarily used to treat:
- Mild to moderate pain: This can include pain from headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, arthritis, and other conditions [2, 3].
- Inflammation: Diflunisal can help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis [2].
Form: Diflunisal comes as tablets typically taken orally with food or milk to minimize stomach upset [2, 3].
Important Considerations:
- Not suitable for everyone: Diflunisal may not be appropriate for people with certain medical conditions, such as stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, severe heart disease, or kidney disease [2, 3]. It's crucial to consult your doctor before using diflunisal if you have any pre-existing conditions.
- Potential side effects: Like other NSAIDs, diflunisal can cause side effects such as stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and drowsiness [2, 3]. In rare cases, it can also lead to more serious side effects like stomach ulcers, bleeding, or kidney problems.
- Interaction with other medications: Diflunisal can interact with other medications, including blood thinners, other NSAIDs, and certain antidepressants. Be sure to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting diflunisal [2, 3].