These drugs inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby increasing the concentration of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.
They can be further subdivided based on their action duration:
1.Reversible Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors:
These drugs temporarily inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Examples include physostigmine and donepezil (used in Alzheimer's disease).
2.Irreversible Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors:
These drugs permanently inhibit acetylcholinesterase. An example is echothiophate (used in glaucoma).
