One of the drugs that inhibit or inactivate acetylcholinesterase, either reversibly ( e.g., physostigmine) or irreversibly ( e.g., tetraethyl pyrophosphate).
* * *
an·ti·cho·lin·es·ter·ase -'nes-tə-.rās, -.rāz n any substance (as neostigmine) that inhibits a cholinesterase by combination with it
* * *
n.
any substance that inhibits the action of cholinesterase, the enzyme that is responsible for the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and therefore allows acetylcholine to continue transmitting nerve impulses. Drugs with anticholinesterase activity include distigmine, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, and edrophonium; their uses include the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis. See also parasympathomimetic.
* * *
an·ti·cho·lin·es·ter·ase (an″te-) (an″ti-ko″lin-esґtər-ās) cholinesterase inhibitor.Medical dictionary. 2011.