Cognex (Tacrine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Cognex

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impairment in memory,

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Cognex

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Cognex®
(tacrine hydrochloride) Capsules, USP

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Cognex® (tacrine hydrochloride) is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor, known chemically as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9-acridinamine monohydrochloride monohydrate. Tacrine hydrochloride is commonly referred to in the clinical and pharmacological literature as THA. It has an empirical formula of C₁₃H₁₄N₂•HCl•H₂O and a molecular weight of 252.74.

The molecular formula of tacrine hydrochloride is:

Cognex® (Tacrine Hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Tacrine hydrochloride is a white solid and is freely soluble in distilled water, 0.1N hydrochloric acid, acetate buffer (pH 4.0), phosphate buffer (pH 7.0 to 7.4), methanol, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, and propylene glycol. The compound is sparingly soluble in linoleic acid and PEG 400.

Each capsule of Cognex® contains tacrine as the hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients are hydrous lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. The hard gelatin capsules contain gelatin, NF; silicon dioxide, NF; sodium lauryl sulfate, NF; and the following dyes: 10 mg: D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Green #3, titanium dioxide; 20 mg: D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Blue #1, titanium dioxide; 30 mg: D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #40, titanium dioxide; 40 mg: D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #40, D&C Red #28, titanium dioxide.

Each 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-mg Cognex® (tacrine) capsule for oral administration contains 12.75, 25.50, 38.25, and 51.00 mg of tacrine HCl, respectively.

What are the possible side effects of tacrine (Cognex)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

confusion, hallucinations;
extreme or sudden changes in behavior;
seizure (convulsions);
pain or burning when you urinate; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Cognex »

What are the precautions when taking tacrine (Cognex)?

Before taking tacrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of liver problems caused by tacrine.

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), heart problems (e.g., abnormal heart rhythm), liver disease, seizures, stomach/intestinal disease (e.g., ulcers, bleeding), trouble urinating.

This drug may cause loss...

Read All Potential Precautions of Cognex »

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/24/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.