Ambenonium is a cholinesterase inhibitor

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor

An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor or anti-cholinesterase is a chemical that inhibits the cholinesterase enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine, increasing both the level and duration of action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.- Uses :Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors:* Occur naturally as...

 used in the management of myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability...

.

It is classified as reversible.

Mechanism of Action

Ambenonium exerts its actions against Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability...

 by competitive reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase

Acetylcholinesterase

"Acetylcholinesterase, also known as AChE or acetylcholine acetylhydrolase, is an enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, producing choline and an acetate group. It is mainly found at neuromuscular junctions and cholinergic nervous system, where its activity serves to terminate...

, the enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. Myasthenia Gravis occurs when the body produces antibodies against acetylcholine receptors, and thus inhibits signal transmission across the myoneural junction. Ambenonium reversibly binds acetylcholinesterase, inactivates it and therefore increases levels of acetylcholine. This, in turn, facilitates transmission of impulses across the myoneural junction and effectively treats the disease

Indications

Ambenonium is used to treat muscle weakness due to muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).