Skip to main content

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Cholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, and lice. They work by improving memory, controlling movement, improving muscle strength, and destroying lice and eggs.

Why are cholinesterase inhibitors prescribed?

  1. Alzheimer's Disease (47%)
  2. Dementia (31%)
  3. Parkinson's Disease (12%)
  4. Myasthenia Gravis (9%)
  5. Lice (0%)
  6. Glaucoma (0%)
  7. Anesthesia (0%)
  8. Chemical Poisoning (0%)

Key takeaways

Cholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat conditions such as dementia, myasthenia gravis, and glaucoma. These medications work by blocking the cholinesterase enzyme, which helps increase acetylcholine levels — a chemical that helps nerves communicate, among other functions. Cholinesterase inhibitors come in different forms, including oral pills, patches, and injections. Examples include donepezil (Aricept, Adlarity), rivastigmine (Exelon), and pyridostigmine (Mestinon).

Prices for popular Cholinesterase Inhibitors medications
Viewing 10 of 10 medications
tablet icon

Aricept (donepezil)

as low as$37
Donepezil (Aricept) is an inexpensive drug used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. It is more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in generic and brand versions. Generic donepezil is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
See pricesMore info
carton icon

Exelon (rivastigmine)

as low as$27
RIVASTIGMINE treats memory loss and confusion (dementia) in people who have Alzheimer or Parkinson disease. It works by improving attention, memory, and the ability to engage in daily activities.
See pricesMore info
tablet icon

Mestinon (pyridostigmine, pyridostigmine ER)

as low as$142
PYRIDOSTIGMINE treats myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes muscles to easily weaken or fatigue. It works by decreasing muscle weakness and loss of movement.
See pricesMore info
tablet icon

galantamine

as low as$28
GALANTAMINE treats memory loss and confusion (dementia) in people who have Alzheimer disease. It works by improving attention, memory, and the ability to engage in daily activities. It is not a cure for dementia or Alzheimer disease.
See pricesMore info
capsule icon

Razadyne ER (galantamine ER)

as low as$48
GALANTAMINE treats memory loss and confusion (dementia) in people who have Alzheimer disease. It works by improving attention, memory, and the ability to engage in daily activities. It is not a cure for dementia or Alzheimer disease.
See pricesMore info
bottle-of-lotion icon

malathion

as low as$76
MALATHION treats head lice, tiny insects that live in hair. It works by killing the lice and their eggs.
See pricesMore info
kit icon

Adlarity

as low as$463
DONEPEZIL treats memory loss and confusion (dementia) in people who have Alzheimer disease. It works by improving attention, memory, and the ability to engage in daily activities. It is not a cure for dementia or Alzheimer disease.
See pricesMore info
tablet icon

Zunveyl

as low as$880
Zunveyl is part of the Cholinesterase Inhibitors class and treats Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. Cholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, and lice. They work by improving memory, controlling movement, improving muscle strength, and destroying lice and eggs. Zunveyl is only available as a brand name drug.
See pricesMore info
kit icon

Phospholine Iodide

as low as$2,893
ECHOTHIOPHATE treats conditions with increased pressure of the eye, such as glaucoma. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the eye, which helps lower eye pressure. It may also be used to treat eye crossing caused by farsightedness. It works by helping muscles in the eye adjust focus without rotating inward.
See pricesMore info
syringe icon

Bloxiverz (neostigmine methylsulfate)

Neostigmine methylsulfate (bloxiverz) is a moderately priced drug used for the reversal of paralysis agents after surgery. It is less popular than comparable drugs. This drug is available in generic and brand versions.
See pricesMore info
Disclaimer: Popularity is based on total prescriptions for the brand and generic versions of each drug, regardless of the condition being treated. Some drugs are prescribed for multiple conditions.

Subscribe and save

Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Enter your email to sign up

By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men's health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Compare other Cholinesterase Inhibitors drugs

Aricept vs ExelonAricept vs NamendaAdderall vs ConcertaAdderall vs StratteraAdderall vs Xanax

Latest Articles

Pharmacy: donepezil dosage

Donepezil Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Mandeep Sohal, PharmDPublished on Jan 2, 2025
donepezil: senior_man_taking_medication_1755785177

Donepezil’s Mechanism of Action: How This Medication for Alzheimer’s Disease Works

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBAPublished on Oct 3, 2024
Donepezil: side effects donepezil

12 Donepezil Side Effects You Should Know About

Taylor K. Clarke, PharmDUpdated on Jun 4, 2024
alzheimers-disease: black and white portrait old man-1169775666

Alzheimer’s Medications: Comparing Your Treatment Options

Sheila Marie, PharmDUpdated on Feb 13, 2024
Blog banner: Desktop with Stethoscope

Sam’s Club Now Offers More Prescription Savings for Plus Members

Elizabeth DavisPublished on Apr 22, 2015

Browse medications

View All
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.
ABCDFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ