Cognex

Cognex is a prescription drug that is licensed for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. While the medication cannot cure Alzheimer's, it can help slow the worsening of symptoms by improving memory, attention, reason, and language. Cognex comes in capsule form and is generally taken four times a day. Potential side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, and increased liver enzymes.

 

What Is Cognex?

Cognex® (tacrine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Although Cognex is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease, it can help slow the worsening of Alzheimer's symptoms (and may even temporarily improve such symptoms).
 
(Click Cognex Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Cognex?

Cognex is made by Sciele Pharma, Inc.
 

How Does Cognex Work?

Cognex is classified as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It works by preventing a specific enzyme (known as acetylcholinesterase) from breaking down acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a chemical that aids in many brain functions, including memory, attention, reason, and language. There is some thought that problems with inadequate acetylcholine in the brain may be responsible for some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
 

Effects of Cognex

Cognex has been evaluated for Alzheimer's disease in several different studies. These studies showed that people taking Cognex often had a slower rate of decline in cognitive function ("thinking" functions, such as memory, language, and social interaction), compared to people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). In general, a slight improvement was initially seen, followed by a return to a decline in cognitive function, although this decline was slower in those taking Cognex, compared to those taking a placebo.
 

When and How to Take Cognex

General considerations for when and how to take Cognex include the following:
 
  • Cognex comes in capsule form. It is usually taken by mouth four times daily.
     
  • It is best to take Cognex on an empty stomach (between meals), since food can decrease the absorption of Cognex into the body. However, if the drug bothers your stomach, talk with your healthcare provider about taking it with food (which may help with stomach upset).
     
  • Be sure to take Cognex at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Cognex will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information for Cognex

The dose of Cognex that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Whether you develop high liver enzymes due to Cognex
  • Other medications you may take
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Cognex dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Cognex Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Cognex

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Cognex. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, many people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
Common side effects of Cognex include, but are not limited to:
 
  • High liver enzymes
  • Nausea with or without vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness.
     
(Click Cognex Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Cognex

Cognex can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Cognex Drug Interactions).
 

Cognex: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Cognex if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Cognex Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Cognex?

People who take too much Cognex may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Increased salivation
  • Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Seizures
  • Muscle weakness, including life-threatening weakness of the muscles used for breathing
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose on Cognex, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Cognex Overdose for more information.)
 

Cognex Storage

Cognex capsules should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep Cognex and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Cognex?

If you forget to take a dose of Cognex, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Cognex.
 

Strengths of Cognex

Cognex capsules are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Cognex 10 mg
  • Cognex 20 mg
  • Cognex 30 mg
  • Cognex 40 mg.
     

Generic Cognex

At this time, Cognex is not available in generic form (see Generic Cognex).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;