Drugs that inhibit cholinesterases. The neurotransmitter ACETYLCHOLINE is rapidly hydrolyzed, and thereby inactivated, by cholinesterases. When cholinesterases are inhibited, the action of endogenously released acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses is potentiated. Cholinesterase inhibitors are widely used clinically for their potentiation of cholinergic inputs to the gastrointestinal tract and urinary bladder, the eye, and skeletal muscles; they are also used for their effects on the heart and the central nervous system.
Also Known As:
Anticholinesterases; Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors; Anti-Cholinesterases; Anticholinesterase Drugs; Cholinesterase Inhibitors, Irreversible; Cholinesterase Inhibitors, Reversible; Agents, Anticholinesterase; Anti Cholinesterases; Drugs, Anticholinesterase; Inhibitors, Acetylcholinesterase; Inhibitors, Cholinesterase; Inhibitors, Irreversible Cholinesterase; Inhibitors, Reversible Cholinesterase; Irreversible Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Reversible Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Anticholinesterase Agents