Tacrine

DAE Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; CONGNEX

• Muscle relaxants and cholinesterase inhibitors

A centrally acting reversible cholinesterase inhibitor, which is used to treat mild to moderate dementia of alzheimer’s type. It improves cognitive (the operation of the mind by which we become aware of the objects of thoughts or perception) performance.

Tacrine (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Respiratory depression.

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Tacrine (HCl), which give rise to further complications include Transaminase elevation.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Tacrine (HCl) include Muscular weakness, Increased salivation, Convulsions, Sweating, Vomiting, Nausea, Bradycardia, Hypotension.

The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Tacrine (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Flatulence, Nausea, Vomiting, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Constipation, Abdominal pain, Bradycardia, Skin RashX, Dyspepsia, Change in BP.

It should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. It should be used with caution in patients with asthma, seizure disorder, epilapsy, heart disease such as hypertension, bradycardia, recent myocardial infraction, thyroid disorders, intestinal disorders, ulcers, urinary problems, impaired liver function or who have a history of such impairment or if have any allergy especially to bromides. Large dose by mouth should be avoided in condition where there may be increase absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Serum-alanin aminotransferase concentrations should be monitored in patients receiving cintinuous treatment with tacrine. Monitoring should be carried out every other week for atleast the first first 16 weeks of therapy, followd by monthly for 2 months an dthen every 3 months thereafter. Weekly monitoring is recommended in patients with elevated aminotransferase levels that are greater than twice the upper limit of the normal range. If sign of liver involvment worsen, the dose should be reduced or withdrawn. Tacrine should be taken on an empty stomach to improve absorption. The initial dose is given for a minimum of 6 weeks. Dosage should not be increased during this period because the potential exists for a delay in onset of increased liver enzyme concentration. Serum-alanin aminotransferase concentrations should be monitored regularly and if there is no significant increase doses may be increased.

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients, and patients suffering from Liver Malfunction.

Adult: Initially, 10 mg 4 times daily for at least 4 wk. May be increased by 40 mg daily at 4-6 wkly intervals. Max: 160 mg/day in 4 divided doses.

Tacrine