Tolcapone: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What is Tolcapone used for?

Tolcapone is a drug to treat Parkinson's disease, which is used with another drug (levodopa / carbidopa). Tolcapone belongs to a class of drugs known as COMT inhibitors.

Many people who take levodopa for Parkinson's have problems due to the effects of levodopa not being used between scheduled doses, causing symptoms to recur or get worse. Tolcapone blocks certain natural substances (COMT enzymes) that break down levodopa in the body. This effect allows levodopa to stay longer in the system so it doesn't go away before the next dose.

What are the rules for using Tolcapone?

This drug is used with another drug (levodopa / carbidopa) to treat Parkinson's disease. Tolcapone belongs to a class of drugs known as COMT inhibitors. Many people who take levodopa for Parkinson's experience problems due to the effects of levodopa not used between scheduled doses, causing symptoms to recur or worsen symptoms. Tolcapone blocks certain natural substances (COMT enzymes) that break down levodopa in the body. This effect allows levodopa to stay longer in the system so it doesn't go away before the next dose.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I save Tolcapone?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using Tolcapone?

Before deciding to use this drug, the risks of using the drug must be weighed against its benefits. This is up to you and your doctor. For this drug, the following should be considered:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to food, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the list of ingredients that make up the medicine on the label or package carefully.

Children

Studies on this drug have been carried out only in adult patients. There is no identification of the potential for the use of tolcapone in children.

Parents

The risk of hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there) may increase in patients older than 75 years.

Is Tolcapone safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (A = No risk, B = No risk in some studies, C = Possible risk, D = Positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = Unknown)

Side effects

What are the possible Tolcapone side effects?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• Nausea, stomach pain, fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Feel like passing out
• Fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, and sweating (especially when you first start using tolcapone)
• Hallucinations
• Tremor (shaking uncontrollably)
• Feeling tight in your chest, difficulty breathing
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Severe or persistent diarrhea
• Muscle aches, pressure-like pain, or weakness with cold or flu symptoms and dark urine

Less serious side effects may include:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dry mouth
• Headache, tired feeling
• Unusual changes in skin
• Dizziness, drowsiness
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
• Sleep problems (insomnia), dreaming more than usual
• Agitation or anxiety

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What drugs can interfere with the action of the Tolcapone drug?

Although certain drugs should not be used at the same time, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even if interactions are possible. In this case, your doctor may be able to change the dose or take other precautions that may be needed. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs on the market.

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not usually recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If these two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or adjust how often you use one or both drugs.

• Iproniazid
• Isocarboxazid
• Linezolid
• Nialamide
• Pargyline
• Phenelzine
• Procarbazine
• Tranylcypromine

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the action of the Tolcapone drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of the drug Tolcapone?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems .:

• Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there) - This condition can get worse
• High fever and confusion
• Muscle injury, pain, cramps - you should not use tolcapone
• Kidney problems, severe - The ability to clear tolcapone from the body may decrease, which increases the risk of unwanted effects
• Heart problem
• A liver test that is higher than normal - this medication can increase the chance of serious liver problems. You should not use this drug if you have this problem.
• Low blood pressure
• Orthostatic or postural low blood pressure (dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position) - the condition can get worse.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for Tolcapone for adults?

Early:

100 mg orally three times a day, always used together with the first day of levodopa / carbidopa dose.

What is the dosage of Tolcapone for children?

Safety and effectiveness are not known in pediatric patients (less than 18 years).

In what dosages and preparations is Tolcapone available?

100 mg tablet; 200 mg

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.