Clomiphene is a medication commonly used to treat infertility in women by stimulating ovulation. It works by triggering the hormones needed to release an egg from the ovary, increasing the chances of pregnancy.
This is especially helpful for those with irregular or absent ovulation. Clomiphene is typically taken early in the menstrual cycle under a doctor's guidance. It is available under brand names such as Clomid and Serophene.
What is Clomifene?
Clomifene (clomiphene) is a fertility medication used to treat women who do not ovulate, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome. Twins are more likely to be born as a result of use. It is administered orally once daily for five consecutive days as part of a five-day treatment regimen.
What Are the Uses of Clomiphene?
Clomiphene citrate tablets primarily helps women with ovulation issues to conceive and has important off-label uses for male fertility.
Conditions Clomiphene Treats
1. Female Infertility:
Primarily treats anovulation (absent/irregular ovulation) in women, especially those with PCOS. It can also be used for unexplained infertility.
Approximately 70-85% of anovulatory women ovulate, and 40-50% achieve clomiphene citrate pregnancy, mostly within three cycles.
2. Male Infertility (Off-label):
Clomifene tablet uses for male fertility include treating low sperm count due to insufficient testosterone.
It can increase testosterone levels, improve sperm count and motility, enhance erectile function, and reduce fatigue.
Secondary Uses
Ovulation Augmentation: Can enhance ovarian activity to produce more than one egg per cycle in regularly ovulating women.
Luteal Phase Defect: Helps prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy by boosting progesterone.
Menstrual Cycle Predictability: Makes cycles more predictable, aiding timing for conception.
Multiple Pregnancies: Clomiphene increases the chance of multiple pregnancies (5-10% of cases, mostly twins) due to stimulating multiple follicles
For personalized fertility evaluation and ovulation treatment, consult our experienced gynecologists for expert guidance.
How Does Clomiphene Work?
Clomiphene citrate mechanism of action involves influencing the brain's hormone centers to stimulate the release of hormones essential for egg development and release. It acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator.
Mechanism of Action: Clomiphene mimics estrogen, promoting egg development and release [user's content]. It works by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.
Hormone Interaction: As a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), clomiphene binds to estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, blocking negative feedback. This "fools" the brain into increasing Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
Nervous System Action:
Female: Increased FSH stimulates ovarian follicle growth, and LH triggers ovulation, often leading to 2-3 eggs per cycle.
Male: Increased LH stimulates testosterone production in Leydig cells, and FSH aids spermatogenesis, improving sperm parameters and alleviating hypogonadism symptoms
How to Use?
This is available as a tablet to be taken orally. It is usually taken once a day for five days, starting on or around day five of the cycle.
Take this at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
Follow all the given directions on your prescription label exactly, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any parts that you don't understand.
It should be taken exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more frequently than your doctor has prescribed.
Clomiphene Dosage
Clomiphene is primarily available as an oral tablet and is most commonly used for the induction of ovulation in women with infertility due to ovulatory dysfunction. The only widely available and approved form is the 50 mg oral tablet
Indication
Dosage Regimen
Notes
Ovulation induction
50 mg once daily for 5 days, starting on day 5 of the menstrual cycle
If ovulation does not occur, may increase to 100 mg once daily for 5 days in the next cycle. Maximum: 100 mg/day. Up to 6 cycles may be attempted, but many guidelines recommend a maximum of 3 cycles.
Male infertility (off-label, for spermatogenesis)
25 mg once daily for 25 days, then 5 days off; may increase to 50 mg once daily for 25 days, then 5 days off
Semen analysis should be performed regularly.
For polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), lower doses or shorter duration are recommended to minimize risk of ovarian hyperstimulation.
Children: Not indicated for pediatric use.
Important considerations:
Treatment should only be initiated after excluding pregnancy and ovarian cysts.
Patients should be monitored for ovarian enlargement and other side effects between cycles.
The drug is marketed under various brand names, including Clomid, Siphene, Fertomid, and others.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of clomiphene, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What Happens in Case of an Overdose?
An overdose of clomiphene can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, visual disturbances, and ovarian enlargement. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Visit your nearest Medicover Hospital for prompt medical support and specialist care for any drug-related emergencies.
What to Avoid
Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
Avoid alcohol while taking clomiphene, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery, as clomiphene can cause visual disturbances.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Understanding potential side effects helps patients make informed decisions about treatment and recognize when to seek medical attention. Most side effects are manageable and temporary, but some require immediate medical intervention.
Consult a Doctor: Immediately contact your doctor for any serious or worsening symptoms, especially vision changes, severe stomach pain, or shortness of breath.
Precautions and Warnings
Before taking clomiphene, it is vital to be aware of certain precautions and warnings, as it may not be suitable for everyone and requires careful medical oversight.
Who Should Avoid (Contraindications)
Clomiphene is strictly contraindicated in the following conditions:
Pregnancy: Clomiphene is a Category X drug. It must not be used during pregnancy. A negative pregnancy test is required before starting each treatment cycle.
Alcohol: Minimize or avoid; can worsen side effects and interfere with hormones.
Grapefruit/Grapefruit Juice: Avoid; can increase clomiphene levels and side effect risk.
High-Fat Meals: May delay absorption; take on empty stomach or with light meal.
Caffeine: Limit intake - high doses may worsen anxiety, insomnia, or palpitations.
Our gynecology department provides comprehensive fertility evaluation and hormonal therapy support for women seeking conception assistance.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)
Clomiphene may interact with various medications, supplements, and even certain foods, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Always inform your doctor about all products you are taking.
Male Infertility Combinations: Sometimes used with hCG or anastrozole.
Supplements and Herbal Products: Inform your doctor about all supplements; e.g., Curcumin can increase clomiphene levels.
Food Interactions: Avoid grapefruit/grapefruit juice (increases clomiphene levels). High-fat meals may delay absorption. Limit caffeine.
How Should Clomiphene Be Stored?
Proper storage of clomiphene citrate tablets is essential to maintain their effectiveness and ensure safety.
Recommended Storage
Store in the original, tightly closed container.
Keep at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture (avoid bathrooms).
For long-term sealed storage, 4°C is recommended, avoiding moisture.
Improper Storage Effects: Exposure to heat, air, or light can compromise chemical stability and reduce therapeutic effectiveness.
Safety: Always keep away from children, direct sunlight, and sources of ignition. Ensure the container is tightly sealed in a cool, well-ventilated, moisture-free area.
Clomifene vs Letrozole
Clomifene
Letrozole
Also known as clomiphene, it is a fertility medication. It belongs to a class of medications known as ovulatory stimulants.
Letrozole is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (it reduces estrogen production) used to treat postmenopausal women with breast cancer.
This medication is used to induce ovulation (egg production) in women who do not produce eggs but wish to become pregnant.
This medication is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women after menopause, such as hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.
It functions similarly to estrogen, a female hormone that causes eggs to develop and be released from the ovaries.
It is frequently prescribed to women who have taken tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for at least 5 years. It is also available as a generic medication.
It is usually taken once a day for five days, starting on or around day five of the cycle. Take this medicine at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
Women taking it are more likely to miscarry, but men taking it are not more likely to miscarry. It does not increase the risk of miscarriage on its own. Women who use it, such as those suffering from PCOS, are more likely to miscarry.
You might experience stomach upset, bloating, abdominal or pelvic fullness, flushing, breast tenderness, headache, or dizziness.
It is commonly used to treat female infertility. Although it is not approved by the FDA for use in males, it is frequently prescribed off-label for the treatment of male infertility. Clomid use can result in an increase in testosterone and sperm count.
Yes, Clomifene may lead to the development of follicular cysts as a side effect. These cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovary and may occur during or after treatment with Clomifene. It's important to discuss any concerns or symptoms with your healthcare provider.
Clomifene typically begins to stimulate ovulation within 5 to 10 days of starting treatment. However, the full effects of the medication may not be evident until after several treatment cycles. It's essential to follow your doctor's instructions and monitor your response to treatment closely.
Clomifene treatment is usually limited to a maximum of six ovulatory cycles. If pregnancy does not occur after six cycles, alternative fertility treatments may be considered. It's important to discuss the duration of Clomifene therapy with your healthcare provider based on your individual circumstances.
No, Clomifene is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women. It should not be used during pregnancy because it can harm the developing fetus. Additionally, it may pass into breast milk and potentially harm the nursing infant. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Clomifene and discuss alternative options with their healthcare provider.
Clomifene (also spelled Clomiphene) is used to treat infertility in women who do not ovulate regularly, such as those with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). It helps stimulate ovulation by increasing the release of hormones (FSH and LH) that trigger the growth and release of an egg from the ovary.
While Clomiphene increases the chance of releasing more than one egg, which can raise the possibility of having twins, it should only be used under a doctor's supervision. The usual dose is 50 mg once daily for 5 days, starting on day 2 to 5 of your menstrual cycle. However, intentionally trying to have twins is not medically recommended due to higher pregnancy risks. The goal should be healthy ovulation and conception, not necessarily multiple births.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
