Trade Names:Cognex- Capsules 10 mg- Capsules 20 mg- Capsules 30 mg- Capsules 40 mg
Believed to inhibit (reversibly) cholinesterase in CNS, leading to increased concentrations of acetylcholine.
Tacrine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. T max is 1 to 2 h. Tacrine bioavailability is approximately 17%; food reduces bioavailability about 30% to 40%; however, there is no food effect if given at least 1 h before meals. Steady state is achieved within 24 to 36 h.
Vd is about 349 L and it is approximately 55% bound to plasma proteins.
Extensively metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system. Cytochrome P450 1A2 is the principal isozyme involved in metabolism. The extent of first-pass metabolism depends on the dose administered.
The t ½ is approximately 2 to 4 h.
Hepatic impairment may reduce Cl.
GenderPlasma concentrations are about 50% higher in women than men.
SmokingMean plasma concentrations in people who currently smoke are approximately one third the concentrations in nonsmokers.
Treatment of mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer type.
Hypersensitivity to acridine derivatives; previous treatment with tacrine that resulted in jaundice (confirmed by elevated total bilirubin greater than 3 mg/dL); signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity (eg, rash, fever) in association with ALT elevations.
PO 40 mg/day (10 mg 4 times daily). Maintain this dose for at least 4 wk with every-other-week monitoring of transaminase levels beginning at week 4 of therapy.
TitrationPO Increase the dose to 80 mg/day (20 mg 4 times daily), providing there are no significant transaminase elevations and the patient is tolerating treatment. Titrate patients to higher doses (120 and 160 mg/day in divided doses on a 4 times daily schedule) at 4-wk intervals on the basis of tolerance.
Dose adjustmentIf transaminase levels are greater than 2 to 3 × ULN or less, continue treatment according to recommended titration. Monitor transaminase levels weekly until levels return to normal limits. If transaminase levels are greater than 3 to 5 × ULN or less, reduce the daily dose by 40 mg/day. Monitor ALT levels weekly. Resume dose titration and every other wk monitoring when transaminase levels return to within normal limits. If transaminase levels are greater than 5 × ULN, stop treatment. Monitor the patient closely for signs and symptoms associated with hepatitis and follow transaminase levels until within normal limits.
RechallengeInitial dose of 40 mg/day (10 mg 4 times daily) and monitor transaminase levels weekly. If after 6 wk on 40 mg/day the patient is tolerating the dosage with no unacceptable elevations in transaminases, recommended dose titration and transaminase monitoring may be resumed.
Store capsules at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Protect from moisture.
Increased tacrine concentrations.
LevodopaThe antiparkinsonism effects of levodopa may be inhibited.
TheophyllineIncreased theophylline concentrations.
None well documented.
Hypotension, hypertension (at least 1%).
Dizziness (12%); headache (11%); agitation, confusion (7%); ataxia, insomnia (6%); depression, fatigue, somnolence (4%); abnormal thinking, anxiety (3%); tremor, hallucinations, hostility (2%); convulsions, vertigo, syncope, hyperkinesias, paresthesia, nervousness (at least 1%).
Rash (7%); facial/skin flushing (3%); increased sweating (at least 1%).
Rhinitis (8%); conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis (at least 1%).
Nausea/vomiting (28%); diarrhea (16%); dyspepsia, anorexia (9%); abdominal pain (8%); flatulence, constipation (4%).
Urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, UTI (3%).
Weight decrease (3%).
Myalgia (9%); fracture, arthralgia, arthritis, hypertonia (at least 1%).
Coughing, upper respiratory tract infection (3%); bronchitis, pneumonia, dyspnea (at least 1%).
Elevated transaminases (29%); chest pain (4%); back pain, asthenia, purpura (2%); chills, fever, malaise, peripheral edema (at least 1%).
Category C .
Undetermined.
Safety and efficacy not established in any dementing illness.
Use drug with caution in patients with history of abnormal liver function.
May be carcinogenic.
Use of muscle relaxants (eg, succinylcholine) during anesthesia, while receiving tacrine, may lead to exaggerated effects.
Increases cholinergic activity and therefore can affect other organ systems, possibly leading to bradycardia, bladder outflow obstruction, increased gastric acid secretion, or bronchoconstriction. Use drug with caution in patients susceptible to these effects.
An absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 500/mcL occurred in 4 patients who received tacrine during the course of clinical trials.
Drug may contribute to seizures. Cognitive function may worsen after discontinuation or large dose reductions.
Cholinergic crisis, severe nausea, vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, convulsions.
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