Tacrine is an anticholinesterase drug used for the management of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. A centerally active cholinesterase inhibitor that has been used to counter the effects of muscle relaxants, as a respiratory stimulant, and in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other central nervous system disorders.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The mechanism of tacrine is not fully known, but it is suggested that the drug is an anticholinesterase agent which reversibly binds with and inactivates cholinesterases. This inhibits the hydrolysis of acetylcholine released from functioning cholinergic neurons, thus leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. The result is a prolonged effect of acetylcholine.
- Primary indication
- For the palliative treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type.Curator reviewed
- Formula / weight
- C13H14N2 · 198.2637 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- United States, 1993
- Also known as
- Tetrahydroaminacrine · Tetrahydroaminoacridine
- Code names
- CI 970
Resolves to
YLJREFDVOIBQDA-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESNC1=C2CCCCC2=NC2=CC=CC=C12What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Tacrine, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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