Tacrine helps to reduce symptoms of dementia such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with thinking and reasoning in Alzheimer's disease (a progressive disease which destroys memory and other important mental functions).
Tacrine cannot cure Alzheimer's disease, but it can improve the quality of life for people who have Alzheimer's disease.
Take Tacrine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Tacrine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Tacrine even when there are signs of improvement which can take a few weeks for you to notice. Do not stop taking Tacrine unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If Tacrine has been missed for several days, check with your doctor before restarting it.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- stomach ulcers
- epilepsy (fits)
- asthma or other lung problems
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery or dental work, inform your surgeon or dentist that you are taking Tacrine.
Tacrine may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other common side effects of Tacrine include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain and difficulty in controlling movements such as unsteadiness in walking.
These side effects are common at the beginning of treatment or when your dose is increased. They are also temporary and will usually go away as your body adjusts to Tacrine.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to trigger muscle contractions e.g. bethanechol
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluvoxamine, amitriptyline
- medicines for urinary problems e.g. oxybutynin, tolterodine
- gastric medicine e.g. cimetidine
- hormone replacement therapy (medicines to relieve symptoms of menopause)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Tacrine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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