Record Information
Version1.0
Creation Date2009-07-21 20:26:45 UTC
Update Date2026-05-14 16:37:09 UTC
Accession NumberCHEM002185
Identification
Common NameTacrine
ClassSmall Molecule
DescriptionTacrine is only found in individuals that have used or taken this drug. It is 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. 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.
Contaminant Sources
  • HMDB Contaminants - Urine
  • STOFF IDENT Compounds
  • T3DB toxins
  • ToxCast & Tox21 Chemicals
Contaminant Type
  • Amine
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitor
  • Drug
  • Human Neurotoxin
  • Metabolite
  • Nootropic Agent
  • Organic Compound
  • Parasympathomimetic
  • Synthetic Compound
Chemical Structure
Thumb
Synonyms
ValueSource
1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-9-acridinamineChEBI
1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-9-aminoacridineChEBI
5-Amino-6,7,8,9-tetrahydroacridineChEBI
9-Amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridineChEBI
TetrahydroaminacrineChEBI
TacrinalKegg
TetrahydroaminoacridineHMDB
TetrahydroaminocrinHMDB
TetrahydroaminocrineHMDB
THAHMDB
1,2,3,4-TetrahydroaminoacridineHMDB
Horizon brand OF tacrine hydrochlorideHMDB
OTL pharm brand OF tacrine hydrochlorideHMDB
Parke davis brand OF tacrine hydrochlorideHMDB
TenakrinHMDB
RomotalHMDB
CognexHMDB
Tacrine hydrochlorideHMDB
Woods brand OF tacrine hydrochlorideHMDB
Chemical FormulaC13H14N2
Average Molecular Mass198.264 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass198.116 g/mol
CAS Registry Number321-64-2
IUPAC Name1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridin-9-amine
Traditional Nametacrine
SMILESNC1=C2CCCCC2=NC2=CC=CC=C12
InChI IdentifierInChI=1S/C13H14N2/c14-13-9-5-1-3-7-11(9)15-12-8-4-2-6-10(12)13/h1,3,5,7H,2,4,6,8H2,(H2,14,15)
InChI KeyYLJREFDVOIBQDA-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Chemical Taxonomy
Description belongs to the class of organic compounds known as acridines. These are organic compounds containing the acridine moiety, a linear tricyclic heterocycle which consists of two benzene rings joined by a pyridine ring.
KingdomOrganic compounds
Super ClassOrganoheterocyclic compounds
ClassQuinolines and derivatives
Sub ClassBenzoquinolines
Direct ParentAcridines
Alternative Parents
Substituents
  • Acridine
  • 4-aminoquinoline
  • Aminoquinoline
  • Aminopyridine
  • Benzenoid
  • Pyridine
  • Heteroaromatic compound
  • Azacycle
  • Organic nitrogen compound
  • Organopnictogen compound
  • Hydrocarbon derivative
  • Primary amine
  • Organonitrogen compound
  • Amine
  • Aromatic heteropolycyclic compound
Molecular FrameworkAromatic heteropolycyclic compounds
External Descriptors
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginExogenous
Cellular Locations
  • Cytoplasm
  • Membrane
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
PathwaysNot Available
ApplicationsNot Available
Biological Roles
Chemical Roles
Physical Properties
StateSolid
AppearanceWhite powder.
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting Point183.5°C
Boiling PointNot Available
Solubility217 mg/L
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
Water Solubility0.14 g/LALOGPS
logP3.13ALOGPS
logP2.63ChemAxon
logS-3.2ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Basic)8.95ChemAxon
Physiological Charge1ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count2ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count1ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area38.91 ŲChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count0ChemAxon
Refractivity61.74 m³·mol⁻¹ChemAxon
Polarizability22.79 ųChemAxon
Number of Rings3ChemAxon
Bioavailability1ChemAxon
Rule of FiveYesChemAxon
Ghose FilterYesChemAxon
Veber's RuleYesChemAxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemAxon
Spectra
Spectra
Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyView
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, Positivesplash10-00r2-0900000000-e2921d2cb64d7c502a4bSpectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot AvailableSpectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot AvailableSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QQ , positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-453e4e963f034e9de4cfSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QQ , positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-256a5702a96325bc74f2Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QQ , positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-af483bfb98e7e2b87b39Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QQ , positivesplash10-006t-0900000000-3c9902ca237f9c26a2fbSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QQ , positivesplash10-006x-0900000000-dec59115a19fdec78a9fSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - , positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-c04cbf634e493a774cd5Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 90V, Positivesplash10-006t-0900000000-2ea3694383dd21b13356Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 15V, Positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-2ffc3da62f3c0184f7c5Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 35V, Positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-676b079fd7de743702dbSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 30V, Positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-67a5eac4e8faa4d5cd65Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 45V, Positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-b04e175289861dc518f1Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 90V, Positivesplash10-006t-0900000000-9ebb090b4661d7668df3Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 60V, Positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-f2347baf04672bb9e5bbSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 75V, Positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-9a37bfbb7353bd8bce87Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-001j-0900000000-2f420836beda4ff3e6b2Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-001i-0900000000-2275f7938116d06948a0Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-001i-2900000000-1f84e054a206191e525dSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-0002-0900000000-e9e614ab5237139c5988Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-0002-0900000000-0903202525aeeeca151cSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-00l2-0900000000-ba164ed659e5620dad0aSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-0002-0900000000-d2d648aa4423d0c7a455Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-0002-0900000000-d2d648aa4423d0c7a455Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-014m-0900000000-28208ede76de2a1de764Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-d89ea9976ffd35a15c71Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-0002-0900000000-d89ea9976ffd35a15c71Spectrum
Toxicity Profile
Route of ExposureOral. Tacrine is rapidly absorbed. Absolute bioavailability of tacrine is approximately 17%.
Mechanism of ToxicityTacrine is a cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. A cholinesterase inhibitor (or 'anticholinesterase') suppresses the action of acetylcholinesterase. Because of its essential function, chemicals that interfere with the action of acetylcholinesterase are potent neurotoxins, causing excessive salivation and eye-watering in low doses, followed by muscle spasms and ultimately death. Nerve gases and many substances used in insecticides have been shown to act by binding a serine in the active site of acetylcholine esterase, inhibiting the enzyme completely. Acetylcholine esterase breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is released at nerve and muscle junctions, in order to allow the muscle or organ to relax. The result of acetylcholine esterase inhibition is that acetylcholine builds up and continues to act so that any nerve impulses are continually transmitted and muscle contractions do not stop. Among the most common acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are phosphorus-based compounds, which are designed to bind to the active site of the enzyme. The structural requirements are a phosphorus atom bearing two lipophilic groups, a leaving group (such as a halide or thiocyanate), and a terminal oxygen.
MetabolismHepatic. Cytochrome P450 1A2 is the principal isozyme involved in tacrine metabolism. The major metabolite, 1-hydroxy-tacrine (velnacrine), has central cholinergic activity. Half Life: 2 to 4 hours
Toxicity ValuesNot Available
Lethal DoseThe estimated median lethal dose of tacrine following a single oral dose in rats is 40 mg/kg, or approximately 12 times the maximum recommended human dose of 160 mg/day.
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/SourcesFor the palliative treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type.
Minimum Risk LevelNot Available
Health EffectsAcute exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors can cause a cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea/vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved. Accumulation of ACh at motor nerves causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression at the neuromuscular junction. When this occurs symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, fasciculation, and paralysis can be seen. When there is an accumulation of ACh at autonomic ganglia this causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression in the sympathetic system. Symptoms associated with this are hypertension, and hypoglycemia. Overstimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system, due to accumulation of ACh, results in anxiety, headache, convulsions, ataxia, depression of respiration and circulation, tremor, general weakness, and potentially coma. When there is expression of muscarinic overstimulation due to excess acetylcholine at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors symptoms of visual disturbances, tightness in chest, wheezing due to bronchoconstriction, increased bronchial secretions, increased salivation, lacrimation, sweating, peristalsis, and urination can occur. Certain reproductive effects in fertility, growth, and development for males and females have been linked specifically to organophosphate pesticide exposure. Most of the research on reproductive effects has been conducted on farmers working with pesticides and insecticdes in rural areas. In females menstrual cycle disturbances, longer pregnancies, spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, and some developmental effects in offspring have been linked to organophosphate pesticide exposure. Prenatal exposure has been linked to impaired fetal growth and development. Neurotoxic effects have also been linked to poisoning with OP pesticides causing four neurotoxic effects in humans: cholinergic syndrome, intermediate syndrome, organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDP), and chronic organophosphate-induced neuropsychiatric disorder (COPIND). These syndromes result after acute and chronic exposure to OP pesticides.
SymptomsOverdosage with cholinesterase inhibitors can cause a cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea/vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved.
TreatmentIf the compound has been ingested, rapid gastric lavage should be performed using 5% sodium bicarbonate. For skin contact, the skin should be washed with soap and water. If the compound has entered the eyes, they should be washed with large quantities of isotonic saline or water. In serious cases, atropine and/or pralidoxime should be administered. Anti-cholinergic drugs work to counteract the effects of excess acetylcholine and reactivate AChE. Atropine can be used as an antidote in conjunction with pralidoxime or other pyridinium oximes (such as trimedoxime or obidoxime), though the use of '-oximes' has been found to be of no benefit, or possibly harmful, in at least two meta-analyses. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist, and thus blocks the action of acetylcholine peripherally.
Concentrations
Not Available
DrugBank IDDB00382
HMDB IDHMDB0014526
FooDB IDNot Available
Phenol Explorer IDNot Available
KNApSAcK IDNot Available
BiGG IDNot Available
BioCyc IDNot Available
METLIN IDNot Available
PDB IDNot Available
Wikipedia LinkTacrine
Chemspider ID1859
ChEBI ID45980
PubChem Compound ID1935
Kegg Compound IDC01453
YMDB IDNot Available
ECMDB IDNot Available
References
Synthesis Reference

S. Shirley Yang, Wayne Boisvert, Nouman A. Muhammad, Jay Weiss, “Controlled release tacrine drug delivery systems and methods for preparing same.” U.S. Patent US5576022, issued February, 1993.

MSDSLink
General References
1. Qizilbash N, Whitehead A, Higgins J, Wilcock G, Schneider L, Farlow M: Cholinesterase inhibition for Alzheimer disease: a meta-analysis of the tacrine trials. Dementia Trialists' Collaboration. JAMA. 1998 Nov 25;280(20):1777-82.
2. Hansen RA, Gartlehner G, Kaufer DJ, Lohr KN, Carey T:
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=10817586
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=24560791
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=7866482