A Single Dose Study Comparing the Analgesic Effects of Diflunisal, Acetylsalicylic Acid, and Placebo in Pain following Meniscectomy

Abstract

A single dose experiment was used to evaluate the analgesic effect of diflunisal, a new salicylic acid derivative. Three dose levels of diflunisal (125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg) were compared to one dose level of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (600 mg) and placebo. The maximal analgesia induced by 500 mg diflunisal was comparable to that of 600 mg ASA. The onset of action was slightly more rapid with ASA but the duration of the analgesic effect was far longer for diflunisal, extending beyond 8 hours after administration. Diflunisal is a promising drug for the treatment of post-operative pain because of its long-lasting effect.