Pharm

Cognex

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Cognex, Tacrine

  • See Also
  1. Alzheimer's Disease
  2. Rivastigmine (Exelon)
  3. Donepezil (Aricept)
  4. Galantamine (Reminyl)
  • Background
  1. Replaced by newer agents (e.g. Aricept) - avoid use due to hepatotoxicity risk
  • Indications
  1. No longer used in U.S. due to hepatotoxicity risk
  2. Mild to Moderate Dementia (Folstein MMSE: 10-26)
  • Mechanism
  1. First Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor
  2. Other agents are now preferred
  • Efficacy
  1. Response in 20% of patients
  2. Aricept offers similar efficacy and less toxicity
  • Dosing
  1. Start at 10 mg PO qid for 4 weeks
  2. Increase to 20 mg PO qid for 4 weeks
  3. Titrate to maximum of 40 mg
  • Adverse effects
  1. Hepatotoxicity
    1. Follow Liver Function Tests (esp. SGPT) every 2 weeks