Acetylcholine receptor agonists and antagonists can either have an effect directly on the receptors or exert their effects indirectly, e.g., by affecting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which degrades the receptor ligand.
Os agonistas e antagonistas dos rceptores de acetilcolina poden tamén ter un efecto directo sobre os receptores ou exerceren os seus efectos indirectamente; por exemplo, afectando ao encima acetilcolinesterase, que degrada o ligando do receptor.