Prostate Restored
Photo by Keira Burton Pexels Logo Photo: Keira Burton

What tablets stop gout?

Allopurinol is used to treat gout and kidney stones. It may also be prescribed if you're having some types of cancer treatment. Some treatments can cause a build-up of uric acid. Allopurinol comes as 100mg and 300mg tablets and is only available on prescription.

Is pumpkin full of sugar?
Is pumpkin full of sugar?

Pumpkin and Pumpkin Seeds From the leaves to the seeds, this wholesome fruit is low in sugar and high in nutrients, making it a great snack for...

Read More »
Why is there white chunks in my sperm?
Why is there white chunks in my sperm?

It is normally thick, sticky and clumpy on ejaculation due to the protein it contains as these help it to 'stick' higher in the vagina and slow...

Read More »

The usual dose of allopurinol is 100mg to 300mg a day. Follow your doctor's advice on how many tablets to take, and how many times a day. You'll have regular blood tests to monitor your uric acid levels. If your uric acid level does not come down far enough, your doctor may increase your dose (up to 900mg daily in severe cases). If you have kidney or liver disease, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose and will monitor you more closely.

How to take it

Swallow the allopurinol tablets with water, ideally after food. You'll usually take it once a day, but if you're on a high dose, your doctor may advise you to split the dose and take it twice a day. If your doctor has recommended you take allopurinol with lots of fluid, try to drink 2 to 3 litres of fluids every day. You can take allopurinol at any time of the day, however, try to take your doses at the same time of day each day.

Will my dose go up or down?

Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose of allopurinol.

You'll have regular blood tests to monitor your uric acid levels.

Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose depending on the results of your blood tests.

What if I forget to take it?

If you take allopurinol:

once a day – take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. – take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. twice or more a day - if you do not remember until your next dose is due, skip the missed dose and take the dose that is due.

Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you often forget to take your medicines, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on ways to help you remember to take your medicines.

What if I take too much?

Does spinach increase stamina?
Does spinach increase stamina?

Green leafy veggies are rich in iron, fiber, vitamins, and micronutrients. They help in improving your red blood cell count, facilitating proper...

Read More »
Can I eat pumpkin seeds during periods?
Can I eat pumpkin seeds during periods?

Pumpkin seeds are known to contain high levels of a component called tryptophan, which naturally boosts the serotonin levels of the body, helping...

Read More »

Can cashew nuts cause uric acid?

Cashews Put to the Test They found that people who consumed 20 percent of their daily calories in the form of unsalted cashews had no significant change in their blood uric acid levels. So if you are on a low purine diet, you can most likely eat cashews daily without worry of rising uric acid levels.

You may benefit from a low purine diet if you have gout. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine breakdown in the blood. If uric acid gets too high in your blood, it can crystallize and accumulate in your joints causing a painful gout attack. If you are on a low purine diet, it is good to know that cashew nuts in moderation are a healthy food choice.

Low Purines, No Worries

A low purine diet is basically a healthy diet, according to Arthritis Today, and includes all the food groups, especially vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and plant proteins such as nuts, beans and legumes while limiting your intake of processed foods and refined carbohydrates.

What the Academy Says

Although purine content is not specified on food labels, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics categorizes plant proteins as having either low or moderate purine content on its Nutrition Care Manual. While it categorizes beans and lentils as medium purine foods that should be limited to 1 cup cooked daily, it clears nuts, including cashews, as low purine and states you can eat any amount on a low purine diet.

Cashews Put to the Test

Researchers of a study published in "The British Journal of Nutrition" in 2007, wanted to test the impact of a diet high in unsalted cashews on different markers of the metabolic syndrome -- uric acid levels in the blood was one of these markers. They found that people who consumed 20 percent of their daily calories in the form of unsalted cashews had no significant change in their blood uric acid levels. So if you are on a low purine diet, you can most likely eat cashews daily without worry of rising uric acid levels.

But Are They Beneficial?

What is the female fat burning hormone?
What is the female fat burning hormone?

Leptin is made by the adipose tissue (fat-storing cells) in your body. Its main role is to regulate fat storage and how many calories you eat and...

Read More »
Is Whiskey good for the prostate?
Is Whiskey good for the prostate?

However, a recent review of 19 studies suggests those with BPH or at risk of developing BPH may have cause to actually raise a glass and toast...

Read More »
Where do you rub your prostate?
Where do you rub your prostate?

A prostate massage involves inserting a finger into the rectum to stimulate the prostate gland. This roughly walnut-sized gland sits between the...

Read More »
What drink is good to flush your kidneys?
What drink is good to flush your kidneys?

Lemon Juice Naturally acidic, lemon juice has been shown to increase citrate levels in urine, a factor that discourages kidney stones from forming....

Read More »