Cholinesterase inhibitor

A Cholinesterase inhibitor (pronounced: koh-lin-ES-ter-ase in-hib-it-or) is a type of medication that works by blocking the action of cholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the body.

Etymology

The term "Cholinesterase inhibitor" is derived from the name of the enzyme it inhibits, cholinesterase, and the term "inhibitor", which refers to a substance that reduces or stops the activity of another substance.

Types

There are two main types of cholinesterase inhibitors: reversible inhibitors and irreversible inhibitors. Reversible inhibitors bind to cholinesterase for a short period of time, while irreversible inhibitors bind permanently, causing a lasting decrease in acetylcholine breakdown.

Uses

Cholinesterase inhibitors are used in the treatment of various medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, myasthenia gravis, and glaucoma. They can also be used as pesticides and chemical warfare agents.

Side Effects

Common side effects of cholinesterase inhibitors include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. More serious side effects can include bradycardia, bronchospasm, and seizures.

Related Terms

Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter in the body that cholinesterase inhibitors work to increase levels of.
Cholinergic: Referring to cells that use acetylcholine as their main neurotransmitter.
Neurotransmitter: Chemicals in the body that transmit signals from one neuron to another.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Cholinesterase inhibitor
Wikipedia's article - Cholinesterase inhibitor

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Cholinesterase inhibitor