Tacrine
Tacrine (pronounced: ta-kreen) is a centrally acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and indirect cholinergic agonist (parasympathomimetic). It was the first centrally acting cholinesterase inhibitor approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and was marketed under the trade name Cognex. Tacrine was first synthesized by Adrien Albert at the University of Sydney in 1949. It also acts as a histamine N-methyltransferase inhibitor.
Etymology
The term "Tacrine" is derived from the Latin word "tacere", which means "to be silent". This is in reference to the drug's use in treating Alzheimer's disease, a condition that often results in the loss of speech and other cognitive functions.
Pharmacology
Tacrine acts by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, thus increasing the concentration of acetylcholine in the brain. This is believed to result in improved cognition and function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Tacrine include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased frequency of urination. More serious side effects may include liver damage, seizures, and severe allergic reactions.
Related Terms
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
- Cholinergic agonist
- Alzheimer's disease
- Histamine N-methyltransferase inhibitor
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tacrine
- Wikipedia's article - Tacrine
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