Products
Medicines containing tacrine are no longer available in many countries. Cognex capsules are no longer on the market.
Structure and properties
Tacrine (C13H14N2, Mr = 198.3 g/mol) is a tetrahydroacridin-9-amine. It is present in drugs as tacrine hydrochloride monohydrate.
Effects
Tacrine (ATC N06DA01) is indirectly parasympathomimetic. Effects are due to central and reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and elevation of acetylcholine.
Indications
For symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Adverse effects
Tacrine is hepatotoxic and has therefore been withdrawn from the market.