Clomiphene

Clomiphene is licensed for treating infertility in women. The medication works by indirectly stimulating the ovaries, which causes an egg to mature and be released from the ovaries to help women who do not normally ovulate become pregnant. Clinical studies show a 30 percent pregnancy success rate with clomiphene. Potential side effects may include upset stomach or vomiting, enlarged ovaries, pelvic pain or bloating, and hot flashes.

 

What Is Clomiphene?

Clomiphene citrate (Clomid®) is a prescription medication that is used as an infertility treatment for women.
 
(Click What Is Clomiphene Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Brand-name clomiphene (Clomid) is manufactured by sanofi-aventis. Several manufacturers produce generic clomiphene.
 

How Does Clomiphene Work?

Clomiphene indirectly stimulates the ovaries, causing an egg to mature and be released from the ovaries (ovulation).
 

Effects of Clomiphene

Clomiphene can help women who do not normally ovulate become pregnant. In clinical studies, 30 percent of women with ovulation problems became pregnant after taking the drug. Of these pregnancies, 7.89 percent were multiple births -- mostly twins (see Clomid Success Rates or Clomid and Twins for more information).
 

When and How to Take It

Some general considerations for when and how to take clomiphene include the following:
 
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once a day for five days during the menstrual cycle.
     
  • You can take clomiphene with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Clomiphene should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For clomiphene to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     
(Clomiphene Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;