Question:

Which drug is cholinesterase reactivator?

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When organophosphate poisons (like insecticides or nerve agents) bind to the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, they phosphorylate it and switch it off.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Donepezil
  • Ambenonium chloride
  • Physostigmine
  • Pralidoxime chloride
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
When organophosphate poisons (like insecticides or nerve agents) bind to the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, they phosphorylate it and switch it off. A cholinesterase reactivator is a drug that pulls that phosphate group off and brings the enzyme back to life.

Step 1: Pralidoxime (2-PAM) carries an oxime group (=N–OH) that attacks the phosphorus atom bound to the enzyme, cleaving it away and freeing the active site.

Step 2: This makes pralidoxime the classic antidote used in organophosphate poisoning to reactivate the blocked enzyme.

Why the others are wrong: Donepezil, ambenonium and physostigmine are themselves cholinesterase inhibitors — they block the enzyme rather than reactivate it. Only pralidoxime regenerates the enzyme.

Answer: Option (4) — Pralidoxime chloride.
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