What is Tolcapone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Tolcapone overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • tolcapone, Tasmar

Generic Names:

  • Tolcapone

Uses:

  • Is given with levodopa/carbidopa to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiparkinsonian

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Tolcapone used for?

What form(s) does Tolcapone come in

  • Tablet

What are common Tolcapone doses?

  • Tablet 100MG

Common Tolcapone prescriptions

  • Tolcapone
    100mg tablet

How to take Tolcapone

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. This medicine is given with levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet®), 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.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. This medicine is given with levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet®), 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.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tolcapone

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

  • 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.

Tolcapone contraindications

  • You should not use use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tolcapone.

Tolcapone warnings

  • You will need to have your blood tested regularly while using tolcapone to make sure it is not causing harmful side effects. Keep all appointments your doctor makes for you.

  • This medicine may cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that does not exist). If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor.

  • Tolcapone may make you dizzy or sleepy, especially when you first start using the medicine. Avoid driving or using machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.

  • Dizziness may be worse if you get up too fast after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly from a sitting or lying position may help.

  • Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have liver or kidney disease.

  • Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

  • Do not suddenly stop using this medicine. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.

Tolcapone interactions

  • 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 Coumadin® (warfarin) or desipramine (Norpramin®).

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a medicine to treat depression called an MAO inhibitor. Marplan® (isocarboxazid), Nardil® (phenelzine), and Parnate® (tranylcypromine) are MAO inhibitors.

  • This medicine may cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that does not exist). If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor.

  • Do not suddenly stop using this medicine. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.

  • You will need to have your blood tested regularly while using tolcapone to make sure it is not causing harmful side effects. Keep all appointments your doctor makes for you.

Tolcapone side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Increased loss of muscle control

  • Fainting

  • Yellowing of your skin or eyes

  • Severe or bloody diarrhea

  • Nausea, upset stomach

  • Changes in the color of your urine

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Changes in the color of your urine

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or tired

  • Mild diarrhea

  • Hallucinations, confusion, increased dreaming

  • Nausea, upset stomach

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