Tolcapone and Dobutamine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Tolcapone
Dobutamine
No brand names on record
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.
What happens
Inhibition of DOBUTamine metabolism
Interaction Deep Dive
Because tolcapone is an inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), it may influence the metabolism of other drugs which are dependent on this pathway for metabolism, including DOBUTamine. The direct effects of tolcapone on the pharmacokinetics of DOBUTamine have not been determined. Until further information is available, a dose reduction of DOBUTamine should be considered in patients being treated with tolcapone1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) by tolcapone
Common questions
Can I take Tolcapone and Dobutamine together?
Inhibition of DOBUTamine metabolism Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Tolcapone and Dobutamine interaction?
It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
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 Tolcapone or Dobutamine 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 (1)
- Product Information: Tasmar(R), tolcapone. Roche Laboratories Inc. Nutley, NJ, 1998. DailyMed
Keep reading about Tolcapone
Keep reading about Dobutamine
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