Uses
Tolcapone is used in combination with levodopa and carbidopa to treat the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects Of Tolcapone
Tolcapone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- sleep disturbances
- excessive dreaming
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- vomiting
- increased sweating
If you experience any of the following symptoms or any of those listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:
- hallucinations
- confusion
- irregular heartbeat
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking tolcapone:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tolcapone or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants (”blood thinners”) such as warfarin (Coumadin), desipramine (Norpramin), dobutamine (Dobutrex), drugs that cause drowsiness (sedatives, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills), isoproterenol (Isuprel), MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)], methyldopa (Aldomet), and vitamins.
- in addition to the condition listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease or rhabdomyolysis (skeletal muscle disease).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tolcapone, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking tolcapone.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how tolcapone will affect you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Dosage Of Tolcapone
Tolcapone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day. Your doctor will most likely prescribe this in addition to levodopa and carbidopa (Sinemet). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tolcapone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Tolcapone controls symptoms of Parkinson’s disease but does not cure it. Continue to take tolcapone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking tolcapone without talking to your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation of tolcapone may cause high fever and confusion.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
