Drug info
Tolcapone (Oral)
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.Published 30 December 20043 min read
Key points
- Is given with levodopa/carbidopa to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement.
- You should not use use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tolcapone.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Tolcapone (By Mouth)
Tolcapone (TOLE-ka-pone)
Is given with levodopa/carbidopa to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement.
Brand Name(s):
Tasmar
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tolcapone.
How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. This medicine is given with levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemetreg;), because it helps levodopa work in your body for a longer amount of time. Use all of your medicines exactly as your doctor ordered.
- You may take tolcapone with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
If a dose is missed:
- Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
- Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
- Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, or direct light.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other medicines that could make you drowsy such as sleeping pills, tranquilizers, some cold and allergy medicines, narcotic pain-killers, or medicines that relax your muscles.
- Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. You may get too drowsy or sedated if you drink alcohol or use medicines that cause drowsiness with tolcapone.
- Tell your doctor if you are using Coumadinreg; (warfarin) or desipramine (Norpraminreg;).
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a medicine to treat depression called an MAO inhibitor. Marplanreg; (isocarboxazid), Nardilreg; (phenelzine), and Parnatereg; (tranylcypromine) are MAO inhibitors.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.