Diflunisal

Diflunisal is a generic NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It is often used under the brand name Dolobid marketed by Merck & Co. Diflunisal acts by inhibiting the production of prostaglandin, a hormone that creates inflammation and stimulates the neuro receptors for pain. Though diflunisal has an onset of 1 hour, and maximum analgesia at 2 to 3 hours, the diflunisal plasma levels will not be steady until repeated doesages are achieved. To increase the rate at which the diflunisal plasma levels become steady, a loading dose is usually used. It is primarily used to treat symptoms of arthritis.

Overdose
Deaths that have occurred from diflunisal usually involved mixed drugs and or extremely high dosages. The oral LD50 is 500 mg/kg. Symptoms of overdose include, coma, tachycardia, stupor, and vomiting. The lowest dose without the presence of other medicines which caused death was 15 grams. Mixed with other medicines, a death at 7.5 grams has also occurred. Diflunisal usually comes in 250 or 500 mg, thus it is relatively hard to overdose by accident.

Abuse
This medication has no side effects like those of recreational drugs.