[2] It was developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme in 1971, as MK647, after showing promise in a research project studying more potent chemical analogs of aspirin.

[6] It has been reported that diflunisal has some antibacterial activity in vitro against Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS).

In acute use, it is popular in dentistry when a single dose after oral surgery can maintain analgesia until the patient is asleep that night.

[14] However a significantly larger Phase III trial would be needed to prove the drugs effectiveness for treating this condition.

[citation needed] Deaths that have occurred from diflunisal usually involved mixed drugs and or extremely high dosage.