Drug Interaction Report

Entacapone and Diclofenac Ophthalmic: Interaction Details

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Entacapone

Comtan Comtan®
+

Diclofenac Ophthalmic

Voltaren® Eye Drops
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Updated Aug 8, 2026
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Interaction severity
Moderate
Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 57 documented Entacapone interactions, 20 are rated moderate — including this one.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Moderate

What happens

Increased diclofenac exposure

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant use of a CYP2C9 substrate, such as diclofenac and entacapone (a CYP2C9 inhibitor) should be undertaken with caution as this may increase1 diclofenac plasma concentrations and increase the risk of adverse effects. If coadministration is required, evaluate patient medical history before prescribing diclofenac 2 and adjust the carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone dose as clinically indicated 1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Inhibition of CYP2C9-mediated diclofenac metabolism by entacapone

Common questions

Can I take Entacapone and Diclofenac Ophthalmic together?

Increased diclofenac exposure Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Entacapone and Diclofenac Ophthalmic interaction?

It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Entacapone or Diclofenac Ophthalmic need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?

References (2)

  1. Product Information: STALEVO(R) oral tablets, carbidopa levodopa entacapone oral tablets. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (per FDA), East Hanover, NJ, 2014.
  2. Product Information: ZORVOLEX(TM) oral capsules, diclofenac oral capsules. Iroko Pharmaceuticals, LLC (per manufacturer), Philadelphia, PA, 2013. DailyMed
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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.