IRON FOLATE-F (Generic for INTEGRA F)

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 40mg, Niacin 3mg, Iron 125mg, Folic Acid 1,000mcg, Oral capsule

Enteral Feedings

· Severity: Mild

· Notes for Consumers: Most iron supplements do not significantly interact with Enteral Feedings. However, Ferrous Sulfate syrups and elixirs, when given at the same time as Enteral feedings (examples: Boost, Ensure, Jevity, Sustical and others) may cause a thickening of the feeding that may increase the likelyhood of a tube clog. Such interactions are not common. However, to avoid this interaction, ferrous sulfate elixirs at least an hour before taking any nutritional supplement beverages down a tube. Alternatively, your health care professional may be able to recommend an iron supplement that would be less likely to interact.

· Notes for Professionals: Ferrous sulfate elixir has an acidic pH and has been reported to form precipitates with enteral feedings and may clog feeding tubes.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 40mg, Niacin 3mg, Iron 125mg, Folic Acid 1,000mcg, Oral capsule

Food

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Specific food or beverages including dairy products (such as cheese, milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese), coffee, or tea can decrease the absorption of Iron from the stomach. To limit this interaction, take Iron Salts (examples: Femiron, Feratab, Nephro-Fer, Slow FE) at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, Iron Salts may be given with meals. However, where possible, avoid coffee, tea, or dairy products within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking any Iron product. Taking these food together while taking Iron Salts can decrease the effectiveness to increase the amount of Iron in the body. In addition, Enteral Feedings (liquid nutritional feedings such as Ensure, Isocal, Jevity and others) are not recommended to be given within the 1 hour before and 1 hour after giving Ferrous Sulfate Elixir (example: Feosol Elixir). There does not appear to be an interaction with other liquid Iron products.

· Notes for Professionals: For better iron absorption, administer iron salts 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If GI irritation occurs, the iron supplement may be administered with meals. However, where possible, avoid administering coffee, tea, or dairy products within 1 hour before or 2 hours after giving iron.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 40mg, Niacin 3mg, Iron 125mg, Folic Acid 1,000mcg, Oral capsule

Alcohol

· Severity: Moderate

· Notes for Consumers: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication may cause facial flushing or redness.

· Notes for Professionals: Alcohol-containing beverages or hot beverages/foods can exacerbate cutaneous vasodilation caused by niacin and should be avoided around the time of niacin ingestion. In general, this interaction would not be harmful, but might decrease patient tolerance of niacin. Alcohol and niacin, particularly sustained-release niacin, are both potentially hepatotoxic. Although no data are available regarding enhanced hepatotoxicity, excessive alcohol use should be discouraged.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>