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Generic Name: tacrine

A cholinesterase inhibitor - It is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's dis... more

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What is this medicine?

TACRINE (TAK reen) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

difficulty passing urine
heart disease, slow heartbeat
jaundice
liver disease
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
seizures
stomach or intestinal disease, ulcers or stomach bleeding
an unusual or allergic reaction to tacrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If this medicine upsets your stomach, you can take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

atropine
benztropine
cimetidine
dicyclomine
donepezil
fluvoxamine
galantamine
glycopyrrolate
ipratropium
medicines for motion sickness like dimenhydrinate, meclizine, scopolamine
medicines that relax your muscles for surgery
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
oxybutynin
propantheline
rivastigmine
theophylline
tolterodine
trihexyphenidyl

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your doctor will need to regularly check your blood to monitor the effect of this medicine on your liver. Check with your doctor or health care professional if there is no improvement in your symptoms or if they get worse.

Avoid alcohol while you are taking this medicine. Alcohol may increase the risk of getting liver damage. Also try to avoid smoking. Smoking tobacco may lessen the effect of this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional for ways to help you stop smoking or drinking.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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