Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TACRINE - ORAL

(TACK-reen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cognex

Uses

This medication is used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

How To Use

For best absorption, tacrine should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before, or two hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, it may be taken with meals, however, food can decrease tacrine blood levels significantly. Follow all instructions exactly.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, muscle aches, loss of appetite and loss of balance may occur. Contact your doctor if these persist or are disabling. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following occur: rash, jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin), changes in stool color, stomach pain. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusually slow pulse or heartbeat, seizures, unusual change in amount of urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), liver disease, heart disease (e.g., abnormal heart rhythm), ulcers, urinary problems, seizures, asthma. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription medication you may use, especially of: theophylline, cimetidine, "cholinergic-type" drugs such as bethanechol, "anticholinergics" such as atropine, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, succinylcholine, NSAID drugs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), fluvoxamine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, sweating, slow heart rate, and seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory tests (e.g., liver function tests) will be performed to monitor for drug side effects.

Missed Dose

If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).