Brand Name:
Dolobid
Generic Name: Diflunisal

Side Effects
as published in the "Physician's Desk Reference Guide to Prescription Drugs"

More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, gas, headache, inability to sleep, indigestion, nausea, rash, ringing in ears, sleepiness, vomiting

Less common or rare side effects may include:
Abdominal bleeding, anemia, blurred vision, confusion, depression, disorientation, dry mouth and nose, fluid retention, flushing, hepatitis, hives, inflammation of lips and tongue, itching, kidney
failure, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nervousness, painful urination, peptic ulcer, pins and needles, protein or blood in urine, rash, sensitivity to light, skin eruptions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, vertigo, weakness, yellow eyes and skin

Why should this drug not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have had an allergic reaction to Dolobid, aspirin, or similar drugs, or if you have had asthma attacks caused by aspirin or other drugs of this type, you should not take this
medication. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Special warnings about this medication
Peptic ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning. This drug should be used with caution if
you have kidney or liver disease; and it can cause liver inflammation in some people.

Do not take aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications while taking Dolobid, unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Dolobid can hide the signs and symptoms of infection. Be sure your doctor knows about any infection you may have.

Dolobid can cause vision problems. If you experience any changes in your vision, inform your doctor.

Dolobid may prolong bleeding time. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, take Dolobid with caution.

If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, use Dolobid with caution. It can increase water retention.

Dolobid may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
If Dolobid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Dolobid with the following:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Antacids taken regularly
Aspirin
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Naproxen (Naprosyn)
Oral anticoagulants (blood thinners)
The arthritis medication sulindac
(Clinoril)
The diuretic hydrochlorothiazide

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Dolobid during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Dolobid appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Dolobid is finished.

Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Dolobid overdose may include:
Abnormally rapid heartbeat, coma, diarrhea, disorientation, drowsiness, hyperventilation,
nausea, ringing in the ears, stupor, sweating, vomiting

The "PHYSICIAN'S DESK REFERENCE®", and PDR® are registered trademarks owned by Medical Economics.

Side Effects for diflunisal (brand name: Dolobid)
as reported in "Nursing95 Drug Handbook"

ADVERSE REACTIONS
CNS (central nervous system): dizziness, somnolence, insomia, headache, fatigue.
EENT (eyes, ears, nose, throat) : tinnitus, visual disturbances (rare).
GI (gastrointestinal): nausea, dyspepsia, GI pain, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, flatulence.
GU (genitourinary): renal impairment, hematuria, interstitial nephritis.
Skin: rash, pruritus, sweating stomatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Other: dry mucous membranes.

Common reactions are in italics; life-threatening, in bold italics.

SOURCE: "Nursing95 Drug Handbook" pages 304-305.

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