Ambenonium (as ambenonium dichloride, trade name Mytelase) is a cholinesterase inhibitor used in the management of myasthenia gravis.

It is classified as reversible.

Mechanism of Action

Ambenonium exerts its actions against Myasthenia Gravis by competitive reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, 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).

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