Drugs >  Tacrine
Tacrine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(TAK reen)

Brand Names
Cognex®

Therapeutic Categories
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor (Central)

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to tacrine or any other part of the medicine.
  • If you ever turned yellow (jaundice) when taking this medicine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.


How does it work?

  • Tacrine helps to improve the balance of a chemical in the brain. It prevents the destruction of this chemical.


How is it best taken?

  • Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
  • May take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Use caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have stomach ulcers or bleeding, tell healthcare provider.
  • If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tell healthcare provider.
  • If you have urinary tract obstruction as seen in prostatic hypertrophy, tell healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Dizziness. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Headache.
  • Increases in liver function tests.


What should I monitor?

  • Check blood tests (liver function). Talk with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Nausea, vomiting, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow eyes or skin, not hungry.
  • Any rash.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight container at room temperature. Protect from moisture.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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