Kinson (Levodopa and Carbidopa 100mg/25mg)

Kinson general information

What is Kinson used for?

Kinson tablets 100/25 are a combination medication used to treat Parkinson's disease, which is neurological disorder, mainly of the elderly, and is one of a group of conditions known as Parkinsonism.  Parkinson's disease is known as idiopathic, which means that its cause is unknown.  Other conditions known as symptomatic Parkinsonism include a neurological group of movement disorders, which produce the same signs and symptoms but that have known causes, including, stroke, side effect of medication, particularly neuroleptic antipsychotics and narcotic overdose.  Kinson tablets are also used to treat Parkinsonism in people who are taking vitamin preparations that contain pyridoxine or Vitamin B6.  Kinson tablets help relieve symptoms of Parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease, particularly when other medications do not provide adequate or consistent relief.  These symptoms include muscle stiffness and bradykinesia (slowness of movement) also other symptoms like, tremor, loss of balance, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and sialorrhoea (drooling). 

How does Kinson work?

Kinson tablets 100/25 contain a combination of carbidopa, a decarboxylase inhibitor, and levodopa, the metabolic precursor of dopamine that are used together to treat Parkinsonism.  The abnormal movements associated with Parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease are caused by a lack of dopamine, a neurotransmitter (chemical that allows communication between nerve cells) produced by certain brain cells that plays an important role in controlling muscle function and movement.  It is important to have the correct levels of dopamine for the muscles to function normally and low levels of dopamine seen in Parkinson's disease are due to the slow and progressive destruction of the nerve cells (neurons) that produce dopamine in the area of the brain called the substantia nigra.  Levodopa in Kinson tablets 100/25 replace the lack of dopamine due to the action of an enzyme called decarboxylase which converts levodopa to dopamine in the brain where it is needed.  Carbidopa in Kinson tablets 100/25 is a decarboxylase inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain barrier and therefore, cannot interfere with the conversion of levodopa to dopamine in the brain, however, it inhibits the decarboxylation of levodopa in other tissues, making more levodopa available to get into the brain for conversion to dopamine.  Levodopa and carbidopa in Kinson tablets 100/25 work together to restore dopamine levels in the brain and this helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism.  

What does Kinson contain?

Kinson tablets 100/25 contains the active ingredients carbidopa, a decarboxylase inhibitor, and levodopa, the metabolic precursor of dopamine that are used in combination to treat Parkinsonism.  They also contain microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, sodium starch glycollate, purified talc, povidone, magnesium stearate, and quinoline yellow

Treating Parkinson's Disease with Kinson

Kinson tablets100/25 contain carbidopa and levodopa that are used in combination to treat Parkinson's disease, which is progressive neurological condition affecting movements such as walking, talking and writing.  The abnormal movements associated with Parkinson's disease are caused by a lack of dopamine, a neurotransmitter (chemical that allows communication between nerve cells) produced by brain cells that plays an important role in controlling muscle function and movement.  The low levels of dopamine seen in Parkinson's disease is due to the slow and progressive destruction of the nerve cells (neurons) that produce dopamine in a certain area of the brain.  Levodopa in Kinson tablets 100/25 provides the precursor needed to produce dopamine and carbidopa ensures in Kinson tablets 100/25 that sufficient levodopa gets to the brain for conversion to dopamine.  Kinson tablets increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, and this helps the brain control muscle function and restore normal movement, relieving symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including muscle stiffness bradykinesia (slowness of movement), tremor, loss of balance, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and sialorrhoea (drooling). 

What are the side effects of Kinson?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Kinson tablets100/25 include unusual involuntary movement like muscle twitching or spasms (dyskinesias), nausea.  Less common side effects include, dizziness, dark saliva, dream abnormalities, sleepiness, sudden sleep onset episodes, slow movements, twitching or spasm of the eyelids, increased libido, compulsive gambling.

When should Kinson not be used?

You should not use Kinson tablets100/25 if you:

• are allergic to carbidopa and levodopa or any ingredients in Kinson
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have kidney or liver disease
• have narrow angle glaucoma
• have suspicious undiagnosed skin lesions or a history of melanoma, as Kinson may activate malignant melanoma
• have peptic ulcer disease; heart or breathing problems without monitoring
• are taking nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOI) for depression, these must be discontinued at least two weeks prior to taking Kinson
• are taking medicines that interact with Kinson, including: antihypertensive medicines, phenytoin for convulsions, isoniazide for tuberculosis, the antipsychotic risperidone, phenothiazine and butyrophenone for psychiatric disorders, iron or iron supplements, other antiparkinson drugs such as selegiline

What medications interact with Kinson?

Several medications interact with Kinson tablets100/25 and should either not be taken while you are taking Kinson or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Kinson: nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOI) for depression, antihypertensive medicines, other antiparkinson drugs such as selegiline
• Drugs that affect Kinson: phenytoin for convulsions, the antipsychotic risperidone, phenothiazine and butyrophenone for psychiatric disorders, iron or iron supplements

How should Kinson be taken?

You should take your Kinson tablets 100/25 with a glass of water with or without food, up to 3 times daily, depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations.  If your doctor recommends a change of dose this will be increased or decreased gradually to reduce risk of withdrawal symptoms or increased side effects.  You should take your Kinson tablets continually for as long as recommended buy your doctor, as it helps control some of your symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but does not cure it.  If you are on a high protein diet this may reduce the effectiveness of Kinson.

How long should you take Kinson?

You should take your Kinson tablets 100/25 continually for as long as recommended buy your doctor, as it helps control some of your symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but does not cure it. 

Missed dose of Kinson

If you miss a dose of Kinson tablets 100/25 take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Kinson be stored?

You should store your Kinson tablets 100/25 below 25°C in a cool dry place.