Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurposeBefore TakingHow to TakeSide EffectsRisks

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Purpose

Before Taking

How to Take

Side Effects

Risks

Clomiphene citrate is a nonsteroidal oral medication that stimulates ovulation in women and is used to treat some types of infertility. Although Clomid—a brand name of clomiphene—has been discontinued in the United States, the generic version is still available.

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woman taking medication for infertility

Clomid DiscontinuedThe brand name Clomid has been discontinued in the United States. Generic alternatives may be available.

Clomid Discontinued

The brand name Clomid has been discontinued in the United States. Generic alternatives may be available.

Clomiphene is primarily used as a fertility medication for women who have medical conditions that may prevent ovulation from occurring naturally.

Clomiphene belongs to a group of medications known as ovulatory stimulants and it binds to the same receptors as estrogen, a naturally occurring female hormone that helps eggs to develop and be released. It triggers the pituitary gland in the brain to release hormones that in turn stimulate ovulation.

Before Taking Clomiphene

Do not take clomiphene if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You should tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if:

Increased Chance of MultiplesPeople should be aware that clomiphene increases the chances of multiple pregnancies (twinsor more).

Increased Chance of Multiples

People should be aware that clomiphene increases the chances of multiple pregnancies (twinsor more).

How to Take Clomiphene

Clomiphene comes as a 50mg tablet and is taken orally.

It is typically taken once a day for five days, with the first tablet taken on about the fifth day of the menstrual cycle. Women who don’t have menstrual cycles can start the medication at any time.

Clomiphene should be taken exactly as directed, and dosages should not be adjusted unless under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Clomiphene may cause some unwanted side effects. The most common of these are bloating and stomach or pelvic pain.

You should call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any side effects from clomiphene, including:

If you experience any of the following side effects and they are severe or do not go away, tell your healthcare provider:

Some women who take clomiphene develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This can be life-threatening. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of OHSS:

Clomiphene may cause blurred vision. Until you know if this medication causes you to experience blurred vision, do not drive or operate heavy machinery.

What If I Miss a Dose?If you miss a dose of clomiphene, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose when you realize you have missed a dose, call your healthcare provider to ask for additional instructions.

What If I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose of clomiphene, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose when you realize you have missed a dose, call your healthcare provider to ask for additional instructions.

A Word From Verywell

If you are dealing with infertility, know that you are not alone. Be sure to seek support from a counseling professional, a support group, and friends and family you trust while you navigate fertility treatment. You don’t need to do this alone, and you shouldn’t. The more support you have, the better.

To start, you could check out RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide “timely, compassionate support and information to people who are experiencing infertility.” Learn more on theRESOLVE website.

3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Clomiphene citrate.MedlinePlus.Clomiphene.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CLOMID.

3 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Clomiphene citrate.MedlinePlus.Clomiphene.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CLOMID.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Clomiphene citrate.MedlinePlus.Clomiphene.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CLOMID.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Clomiphene citrate.

MedlinePlus.Clomiphene.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CLOMID.

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