Tacrine Dosage
Applies to the following strengths: 30 mg; 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg
Usual Adult Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Alzheimer's Disease
Initial dose: 10 mg orally 4 times a day (between meals if possible) for 6 weeks.
Maintenance dose: May increase to 20 mg orally 4 times a day.
Further increases of 120 mg and 160 mg/day may be done in 6 week intervals.
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Use with caution in patients with liver disease.
Dose Adjustments
Dosage adjustments are based on transaminase levels.
When greater than 2 to less than 3 ULN (Upper Limit of Normal), continue treatment per recommended titration, measure levels weekly until normal.
When greater than 3 to less than 5 ULN, reduce daily dose by 40 mg, resume dose titration and every other week monitoring when levels return to normal.
When greater than 5 ULN, stop treatment, monitor levels until normal, then consider rechallenge.
Serum concentrations are threefold lower in smokers. Therefore, following smoking cessation, dose reductions of up to threefold may be needed for patients stabilized on tacrine.
Precautions
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients (less than 18 years of age).
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Monitor transaminase levels weekly during first 6 weeks of treatment. Then monitor every other week for the next 16 weeks. After which they may be measured monthly for 2 months, and then every 3 months.
More about tacrine
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: cholinesterase inhibitors
Patient resources
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.