DiflunisalCalifornia Continuing Education Credits: 2 units
PIC HOMEPAGE| Main Page | Ibuprofen | Acetaminophen | Diflunisal |
Naproxen |
| Generic Name | Diflunisal |
| Commercial Products | Dolobid |
| Structure | 2-4-difluoro-4-hydroxy-3-biphenyl, carboxylic acid. Derivative of salicyclic acid similar to aspirin. |
| Mode of Action | Non steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Peripherally acting analgesic with anti-inflammatory and some antipyretic effects. It is a prostaglandin synthesase inhibitor. |
| Periodontal Indications | Control of postsurgical pain. Peak blood levels obtained within two to three hours, and stays active as an analgesic for eight hours. |
| Dosage | Adults an initial loading dose of 1000 mg diflunisal followed by 500 mg every 8 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2000 mg per day. Not recommended for pregnancy or nursing women. |
| Side Effects | Gastrointestinal problems like nausea, dyspepsia, heartburn, vomiting, and abdominal pain can occur and more severe problems such as gastric ulceration and bleeding can occur. Sleep disorder, fatigue, tinnitus and skin disorder occur infrequently, i.e. less then 1 in 200 with short term use. |
| Contraindication | History of intolerance to diflunisal, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. |
| Precautions | Diflunisal inhibits platelet aggregation but has less effect than aspirin and has minimal effects in short term use, ie., less than 7 days. Patients on anticoagulant therapy or with intrinsic bleeding disorders can be at risk for hemostatic problems with the concurrent use of diflunisal. Patient with decreased renal or liver functions, heart failure or under diuretic therapy can be at risk for liver dysfunction, renal failure and fluid retention while taking diflunisal. Patients using beta blockers or ACE inhibitors can have complications if NSAIDS are used that can result in increased blood pressure |
| Drug Interactions | Coumarin type anticoagulants see precautions |
| How Prescribed | An initial loading dose of 1000 mg followed by 500 mg every 8 to 12 hours as needed for control of postsurgical pain for one to five days. |
PERIODONTICS INFORMATION CENTER