Generic name: clomiphene [ KLOE-mih-feen ]
Brand names: Clomid, Serophene
Drug class: Synthetic ovulation stimulants

Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Jan 26, 2024.

What is clomiphene?

Clomiphene is a non-steroidal fertility medicine. It causes the pituitary gland to release hormones needed to stimulate ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary).

Clomiphene is used to cause ovulation in women with certain medical conditions (such as polycystic ovary syndrome) that prevent naturally occurring ovulation.

Clomiphene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not use clomiphene if you are already pregnant.

You should not use clomiphene if you have: liver disease, unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding, an uncontrolled adrenal gland or thyroid disorder, an ovarian cyst (unrelated to polycystic ovary syndrome), or if you are pregnant.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use clomiphene if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding;

• an ovarian cyst that is not related to polycystic ovary syndrome;

• past or present liver disease;

• a pituitary gland or other brain tumor;

• an untreated or uncontrolled problem with your thyroid or adrenal gland; or

• if you are pregnant.

To make sure clomiphene is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Do not use clomiphene if you are already pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about the possible effects of this medicine on a new pregnancy.

Clomiphene can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may slow breast milk production in some women. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Using clomiphene for longer than 3 treatment cycles may increase your risk of developing an ovarian tumor. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Higher doses of clomiphene can also lead to visual disturbances, which may be irreversible, or a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS can be a life threatening condition. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, weight gain, and trouble breathing.

Fertility treatment may increase your chance of having multiple births (twins, triplets). These are high-risk pregnancies both for the mother and the babies. Ask your doctor about this risk.

How should I take clomiphene?

Use clomiphene exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your doctor will perform medical tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using clomiphene.

Clomiphene is usually taken for 5 days, starting on the 5th day of your menstrual period. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You will need to have a pelvic examination before each treatment cycle. You must remain under the care of a doctor while you are using this medicine.

You will most likely ovulate within 5 to 10 days after you take clomiphene. To improve your chance of becoming pregnant, you should have sexual intercourse while you are ovulating. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding timed intercourse.

Your doctor may have you use over-the-counter ovulation tests or check your temperature each morning and record your daily readings on a chart. This will help you determine when you can expect ovulation to occur.

In most cases, clomiphene should not be used for more than 3-6 treatment cycles (3 ovulatory cycles). If ovulation occurs but you do not get pregnant after 3 treatment cycles, your doctor may stop treatment and evaluate your infertility further.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of clomiphene.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose may result in nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, blurring or spots in your vision, or abdominal pain.

What should I avoid?

This medication may cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Clomiphene side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to clomiphene: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some women using this medicine develop a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first treatment. OHSS can be a life threatening condition. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of OHSS:

• stomach pain, bloating;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection;

• little or no urinating; or

• pain when you breathe, rapid heart rate, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down).

Stop using clomiphene and call your doctor at once if you have:

• pelvic pain or pressure, enlargement in your pelvic area;

• vision problems;

• seeing flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision;

• increased sensitivity of your eyes to light; or

• heavy vaginal bleeding.

Common clomiphene side effects may include:

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• breast pain or tenderness;

• headache; or

• breakthrough bleeding or spotting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Ovulation Induction:

50 mg orally once a day for 5 days. Therapy should be initiated on or near the 5th day of the menstrual cycle, but may be started at any time in patients without recent uterine bleeding.

If ovulation occurs and pregnancy is not achieved, up to 2 additional courses of clomiphene 50 mg orally once a day for 5 days may be administered. Each subsequent course may be started as early as 30 days after the previous course and after pregnancy has been excluded.

Most patients ovulate following the first course of therapy. However, if the patient fails to ovulate, a second course of 100 mg/day for 5 days may be given as early as 30 days following the initial course. A third course of 100 mg/day for 5 days may be given after 30 days, if necessary.

Related/similar drugs

progesterone, clomiphene, Clomid, Pregnyl, HCG, Ovidrel, Gonal-f, Serophene

What other drugs will affect clomiphene?

Other drugs may interact with clomiphene, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Frequently asked questions

• What are the uses and side effects of enclomiphene capsules?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use clomiphene only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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