What is the most important information I should know about tacrine?
Before taking tacrine, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder
such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination problems,
asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.
Tacrine is most effective when taken between meals on an empty stomach, but you
may take it with food if it upsets your stomach.
It is important to use tacrine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription
refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from
this medication.
Do not change your tacrine dose without your doctor's advice.
Taking this medication improperly can lead to serious behavioral side effects or a worsening of
Alzheimer's symptoms.
Call your doctor at once if you have serious side effects such as confusion,
hallucinations, extreme or sudden changes in behavior, seizure (convulsions), pain or burning
when you urinate, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop
taking tacrine suddenly, your condition may become worse.
Tacrine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful
if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What is tacrine?
Tacrine improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the
breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). People with dementia usually
have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and
reasoning.
Tacrine is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.
Tacrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tacrine?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to tacrine, or if you have ever had
jaundice or other liver problems while taking tacrine.
Before taking tacrine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use tacrine,
or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether tacrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Print
Email
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
