DIFLUNISAL

Stop taking diflunisal and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.

This medication should not be used right before or after heart bypass surgery.

Side effects may range from mild to serious complications.  Consult your doctor immediately when you feel the following symptoms: Upset stomach, heartburn, headache, tiredness, drowsiness, or dizziness may occur, stomach pain, swelling of the hands/feet, sudden/unexplained weight gain, vision changes, hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations), fast/pounding heartbeat, persistent/severe headache, fainting, difficult/painful swallowing, change in the amount of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unexplained stiff neck, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, unusual/extreme tiredness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.

Seek emergency medical help if you expereince allergies (rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing) or the symptoms mentioned above while taking this drug.

Precautions

Inform your doctor of your allergies (food or drugs), medical conditions and  medical history before taking this drug, especially of: severe kidney disease, aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), recent heart bypass surgery (CABG), liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, stomach/intestine/esophagus problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers), heart disease (e.g., history of heart attack), stroke, high blood pressure, swelling (edema, fluid retention), blood disorders (e.g., anemia), bleeding or clotting problems, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).

Do not perform activities that require alertness such as driving and using machinery because this drug can make you dizzy.

This medication is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age, and teenagers should not take diflunisal if they have chickenpox, influenza, or any undiagnosed illness without first consulting a doctor about Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

For pregnant and nursing (breastfeeding) women, consult your doctor before using this medication.

Interactions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor of the current medications, products (herbal/nonprescription) that you are taking especially of: aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan), antacids (regular use), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexed, probenecid, “water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene), anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, “blood thinners” such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, extreme drowsiness, fast breathing, confusion, loss of consciousness.

Missed Dose

Take it soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Discard the drug properly- do not throw in toilet or sink.

Brands

There are no brands containing this molecule.