Tacrine
Tacrine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
A centerally active cholinesterase inhibitor that has been used to counter the effects of muscle relaxants, as a respiratory stimulant, and in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other central nervous system disorders. Tacrine has been discontinued for the United States market.
Tacrine is a parasympathomimetic- a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor that is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type. An early pathophysiological feature of Alzheimer's disease that is associated with memory loss and cognitive deficits is a deficiency of acetylcholine as a result of selective loss of cholinergic neurons in the cerebral cortex, nucleus basalis, and hippocampus. Tacrine is postulated to exert its therapeutic effect by enhancing cholinergic function. This is accomplished by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses through reversible inhibition of its hydrolysis by acetylcholinesterase. If this proposed mechanism of action is correct, tacrine's effect may lessen as the disease progresses and fewer cholinergic neurons remain functionally intact. There is no evidence that tacrine alters the course of the underlying dementing process.
| Trade Name | Tacrine |
| Availability | Discontinued |
| Generic | Tacrine |
| Tacrine Other Names | Tacrin, Tacrine, Tacrinum, Tetrahydroaminacrine, Tetrahydroaminoacridine |
| Related Drugs | donepezil, memantine, haloperidol, Aricept, Haldol, Namenda, rivastigmine, Exelon, Haldol Decanoate, Cognex |
| Type | Oral |
| Formula | C13H14N2 |
| Weight | Average: 198.2637 Monoisotopic: 198.115698458 |
| Protein binding | 55% |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational, Withdrawn |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | United States |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Tacrine is an anticholinesterase drug used for the management of Alzheimer's disease symptoms.
For the palliative treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type.
How Tacrine works
The mechanism of tacrine is not fully known, but it is suggested that the drug is an anticholinesterase agent which reversibly binds with and inactivates cholinesterases. This inhibits the hydrolysis of acetylcholine released from functioning cholinergic neurons, thus leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. The result is a prolonged effect of acetylcholine.
Toxicity
Overdosage with cholinesterase inhibitors can cause a cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea/vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved. The estimated median lethal dose of tacrine following a single oral dose in rats is 40 mg/kg, or approximately 12 times the maximum recommended human dose of 160 mg/day.
Tacrine Drug Interaction
Major: bupropionModerate: chloroquine, diltiazem, diltiazemUnknown: epinephrine, fluticasone / salmeterol, zolpidem, cefazolin, donepezil, buspirone, celecoxib, docusate, warfarin, meperidine, hydromorphone, betamethasone topical, sodium hyaluronate topical, metformin / sitagliptin, insulin glargine, insulin zinc
Tacrine Disease Interaction
Major: bradycardia, bronchospasm, coronary artery disease, parkinsonism, PUD, seizures, hepatic dysfunctionModerate: hyperthyroidism
Volume of Distribution
- 349 ± 193 L
Elimination Route
Tacrine is rapidly absorbed. Absolute bioavailability of tacrine is approximately 17%.
Half Life
2 to 4 hours
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Tacrine
