What is Integra: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jul 17, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Integra is an over-the-counter iron supplement. One capsule is taken daily. Intended for people with iron-deficiency anemia, Integra provides 125 mg of elemental iron. The recommended daily intake of iron is 8 mg daily for men and 18 mg daily for women. As a high-dose iron supplement, Integra frequently causes digestive system problems.

Integra overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Integra, Integra Plus

Generic Names:

  • Ferrous fumarate

Uses:

  • Treats iron deficiency anemia

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Iron supplement, nutritive agent

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Integra used for?

Integra is an over-the-counter iron supplement that treats iron deficiency anemia due to deficient intake of iron, excessive loss of iron, or increased need for iron.

What form(s) does Integra come in

  • Capsule

    • 125 mg elemental iron/40 mg vitamin C/3 mg vitamin B3

What are common Integra doses?

  • For iron deficiency anemia: One capsule daily taken between meals

Common Integra prescriptions

  • Integra
    30 capsules bottle

  • Integra
    90 capsules bottle

How to take Integra

  • Follow the package instructions or the advice of a physician.

  • Take only one capsule daily unless instructed otherwise.

  • Take doses between meals.

  • Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water. Do not open, crush, or chew it.

  • Store Integra capsules at room temperature in a dry place out of the reach of children.

What to do if you miss a dose of Integra

  • Take a missed dose on the day it was missed.

  • If it’s the next day, skip the missed dose and take the next day’s dose.

  • Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

Integra contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone.

  • Do not use Integra if you have:

    • Known allergies to iron supplements

    • Hemochromatosis (excessive absorption of iron in the digestive system)

    • Hemosiderosis (excessive iron deposits in the body’s tissues)

    • Hemolytic anemia

Integra warnings

  • Before taking Integra, consult a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have:

    • Stomach or intestinal problems

    • Diabetes

    • An active infection

    • Porphyria

    • Any other medical condition

  • Tell other healthcare professionals treating you that you are using this medicine.

    • Iron supplements may alter the results of some important medical tests

  • Iron typically turns stools dark. This is normal and harmless unless you have other symptoms of a digestive system problem.

  • Accidental overdose of iron supplements is the leading cause of fatal poisoning in very young children. Store Integra with its childproof cap on securely in a place inaccessible to children.

Integra interactions

  • Tell doctors treating you about Integra before they prescribe new medications. Iron supplements can block the body’s absorption of other drugs like antibiotics, making them less effective. 

  • Do not take Integra if you are also receiving iron injections.

  • Avoid taking Integra with:

    • Antacids

    • Milk

    • Calcium-containing products

    • High-fiber foods

    • Caffeine.

Integra side effects

Serious side effects

Iron supplements don’t usually cause serious side effects, except in cases of overdose or chronic overuse. Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Blood in the stools, vomiting blood, abdominal pain that won’t go away, black and tarry stools (along with other symptoms)

  • Trouble breathing, wheezing, shallow breathing, difficulty breathing when lying down

  • Sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, lethargy, seizures, coma

  • Rapid breathing, rapid heart rate

  • Weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes

  • Allergic reaction: Itching, skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat, trouble breathing

Less serious side effects

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Flatulence

  • Metallic taste in the mouth

  • Change in stool color

Sources:

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