Brand name:
Cognex
Pronounced: COG-necks
Generic name:
Tacrine hydrochloride
Why is Cognex prescribed?
Cognex is used for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's
disease. This progressive, degenerative disorder causes physical
changes in the brain that disrupt the flow of information and affect
memory, thinking, and behavior. As someone caring for a person with
Alzheimer's, you should be aware that Cognex is not a cure, but has
helped some people.
Most important fact about Cognex
Do not abruptly stop Cognex treatment, or reduce the dosage,
without consulting the doctor. A sudden reduction can cause the
person you are caring for to become more disturbed and forgetful.
Taking more Cognex than the doctor advises can also cause serious
problems. Do not change the dosage of Cognex unless instructed by
the doctor.
How should you take Cognex?
This medication will work better if taken at regular intervals,
usually 4 times a day. Cognex is best taken between meals; however,
if it is irritating to the stomach, the doctor may advise taking it
with meals. If Cognex is not taken regularly, as the doctor directs,
the condition may get worse.
--If you miss a dose...
Give the forgotten dose as soon as possible. If it is within 2
hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the
regular schedule. Do not double the doses.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature away from moisture.
Cognex side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, tell the doctor as soon as possible. Only the doctor can
determine if it is safe to continue giving Cognex.
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain,
abnormal thinking,
agitation,
anxiety,
chest pain,
clumsiness or unsteadiness,
confusion,
constipation,
coughing,
depression,
diarrhea,
dizziness,
fatigue,
flushing,
frequent urination,
gas,
headache,
inflamed nasal passages,
insomnia,
indigestion,
liver function disorders,
loss of appetite,
muscle pain,
nausea,
rash,
sleepiness,
upper respiratory infection,
urinary tract infection,
vomiting,
weight loss
Be sure to report any symptoms that develop while on Cognex
therapy. You should alert the doctor if the person you are caring
for develops nausea, vomiting, loose stools, or diarrhea at the
start of therapy or when the dosage is increased. Later in therapy,
be on the lookout for rash or fever, yellowing of the eyes and skin,
or changes in the color of the stool.
Why should Cognex not be prescribed?
People who are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction
to Cognex (including symptoms such as rash or fever) should not take
Cognex. Before starting treatment with Cognex, it is
important to discuss any medical problems with the doctor. If during
previous Cognex therapy the person you are caring for developed
jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), which signals that something is
wrong with the liver, Cognex should not be used again.
Special warnings about Cognex
Use Cognex with caution if the person you are caring for has a
history of liver disease, certain heart disorders, stomach ulcers,
or asthma.
Because of the risk of liver problems when taking Cognex, the
doctor will schedule blood tests to monitor liver function every
other week from at least the fourth week to the sixteenth week of
treatment. After 16 weeks, blood tests will be given monthly for 2
months and every 3 months after that. If the person you are caring
for develops any liver problems, the doctor may temporarily
discontinue Cognex treatment until further testing shows that the
liver has returned to normal. If the doctor resumes Cognex
treatment, regular blood tests will be conducted again.
Before having any surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor that the person is being treated with Cognex.
Cognex can cause seizures, and may cause difficulty urinating.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cognex
If Cognex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of
either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important that you check with your doctor before combining Cognex
with the following:
Antispasmodic drugs such as Bentyl and Levsin
Bethanechol chloride (Urecholine)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Fluvoxamine
Muscle stimulants such as Mestinon, Mytelase, and Prostigmin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve, Motrin, and
Naprosyn
The Parkinson's medications Artane and Cogentin
Theophylline (Theo-24, Uniphyl)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Cognex during pregnancy have not been studied; and
it is not known whether Cognex appears in breast milk.
Recommended dosage for Cognex
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If
you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
- Symptoms of Cognex overdose include:
Collapse,
convulsions,
extreme muscle weakness, possibly ending in death (if breathing
muscles are affected),
low blood pressure,
nausea,
salivation,
slowed heart rate,
sweating,
vomiting
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