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Diflunisal

Pronounced

"dye-FLEW-niss-all"

Common brand names:

Dolobid

Uses

Diflunisal is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from various conditions. It also reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis. Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily activities. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

This medication is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for gout attacks.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using diflunisal and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. Take this medication with food/milk or right after meals to prevent stomach upset.

Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so may increase side effects.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more than 1,500 milligrams per day. To minimize side effect risks (such as stomach bleeding), use this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible length of time. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, keep taking it as directed by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist.

In certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of regular use before the full benefits of this drug take effect.

If you are taking this drug on an "as needed" basis (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has significantly worsened, the medicine may not work as well.

Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.