Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) also often called cholinesterase inhibitors,[1] inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase from breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into choline and acetate,[2] thereby increasing both the level and duration of action of acetylcholine in the central nervous system, autonomic ganglia and neuromuscular junctions, which are rich in acetylcholine receptors.[2] Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are one of two types of cholinesterase inhibitors; the other being butyryl-cholinesterase inhibitors.[2] Acetylcholinesterase is the primary member of the cholinesterase enzyme family.[3]
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are classified as reversible, irreversible, or quasi-irreversible (also called pseudo-irreversible).[4][5]
Anaesthesia: Cholinesterase inhibitors are likely to exaggerate succinylcholine-type muscle relaxation during anaesthesia. 5. Genitourinary system: It may ...