anticholinesterase

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 .