Tacrine Dosage

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.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer