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).