The Basics
What is Diflunisal?
Used to relieve mild to moderate pain from various conditions. It also reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis.
Brand names for Diflunisal
Dolobid
How Diflunisal is classified
Analgesic Agents, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents
Diflunisal During Pregnancy
Diflunisal pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Diflunisal while pregnant
A dose of 60 mg/kg/day of diflunisal (equivalent to two times the maximum human dose) was maternotoxic, embryotoxic, and teratogenic in rabbits. In three of six studies in rabbits, evidence of teratogenicity was observed at doses ranging from 40 to 50 mg/kg/day. Teratology studies in mice, at doses up to 45 mg/kg/day, and in rats at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day, revealed no harm to the fetus due to diflunisal. Aspirin and other salicylates have been shown to be teratogenic in a wide variety of species, including the rat and rabbit, at doses ranging from 50 to 400 mg/kg/day (approximately one to eight times the human dose). Animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response. There are no adequate and well controlled studies with diflunisal in pregnant women. DOLOBID (diflunisal) should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Taking Diflunisal While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Diflunisal?
The small amounts of diflunisal in milk do not appear to pose a serious risk to breastfeeding infants. However, a shorter-acting agents having more published information may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
The small amounts of diflunisal in milk do not appear to pose a serious risk to breastfeeding infants. However, a shorter-acting agents having more published information may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Diflunisal on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Diflunisal
Acetaminophen, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Naproxen, Piroxicam.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Steelman SL, Breault GO, Tocco D et al. Pharmacokinetics of MK-647, a novel salicylate. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1975;17:245. Abstract.
2. Tempero KF, Cirillo VJ, Steelman SL. Diflunisal: chemistry, toxicology, experimental and human pharmacology. In: Huskisson EC, Caldwell ADS, eds. Diflunisal: new perspectives in analgesia. Royal Soc Med Int’l Con Sym Ser. 1979;6:3-4.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
