clomifene citrate at a glance
Medicine class
Ovulation stimulant
Main role
Helps induce ovulation when ovulatory dysfunction has been demonstrated
Administration
Tablets are swallowed whole with water
Important risk
Pregnancy may be multiple or ectopic
What is clomifene citrate used for?
Licensed use represented by the selected product:
Ovulatory failure in women wishing to become pregnant, when ovulatory dysfunction has been demonstrated and other infertility causes have been excluded or adequately treated.
How does clomifene citrate work?
Clomifene blocks oestrogen receptors in the hypothalamus. This increases pituitary gonadotrophin release, encouraging ovarian follicles to mature and supporting ovulation.
clomifene citrate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg
How to take clomifene citrate
Follow the fertility specialist’s instructions exactly. Do not alter treatment yourself.
Take by mouth.
Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it.
Attend requested ultrasound scans and blood tests so ovarian response and ovulation can be assessed.
clomifene citrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Hot flushes
- Ovarian enlargement or abdominal and pelvic discomfort, bloating or distension
- Nausea or vomiting
- Breast discomfort
- Headache
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
Get urgent medical advice
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- New visual symptoms, which can occasionally persist after treatment stops
- Severe allergic reaction
- Symptoms suggesting a stroke
- Jaundice or severe upper abdominal pain suggesting liver or pancreatic disease
- Seizure, sudden severe headache or marked psychiatric symptoms
clomifene citrate in pregnancy
Clomifene citrate is not indicated during pregnancy. Pregnancy should be excluded before further treatment; contact the fertility team if a pregnancy test is positive.
clomifene citrate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether clomifene passes into human milk, and it may reduce milk production. Discuss breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed with the prescriber.
clomifene citrate interactions
The selected product information lists no known medicine interactions. Tell the prescriber about all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products.
Common questions about clomifene citrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can clomifene citrate cause twins?
Yes. It increases the chance of multiple pregnancy, so this risk should be discussed before treatment.
What should I do if it affects my vision?
Stop taking it, avoid driving or operating machinery and obtain urgent medical assessment. An ophthalmological examination may be required.
Why are scans or blood tests used?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.