Editing Acetylcholine (section)

===Cholinesterase inhibitors===
{{Main|Cholinesterase inhibitors}}
Many ACh receptor agonists work indirectly by inhibiting the enzyme [[acetylcholinesterase]]. The resulting accumulation of acetylcholine causes continuous stimulation of the muscles, glands, and central nervous system, which can result in fatal convulsions if the dose is high.

They are examples of [[enzyme inhibitors]], and increase the action of acetylcholine by delaying its degradation; some have been used as [[nerve agent]]s ([[Sarin]] and [[VX (nerve agent)|VX]] nerve gas) or [[pesticide]]s ([[organophosphates]] and the [[carbamates]]). Many toxins and venoms produced by plants and animals also contain cholinesterase inhibitors. In clinical use, they are administered in low doses{{why?|date=July 2023}} to reverse the action of [[muscle relaxant]]s, to treat [[myasthenia gravis]], and to treat symptoms of [[Alzheimer's disease]] ([[rivastigmine]], which increases cholinergic activity in the brain).