Clomiphene Citrate

 

How to use

Take Clomiphene Citrate orally for 5 days, on days 3 through to 7 of your cycle or days 5 through to 9. Consider the first day of your cycle to be the first day of menstrual bleeding. Follow the instructions of your doctor, even if their directions slightly differ from recommended usage. Take each dose with a full glass of water.

 

Overdose

Symptoms of a Clomiphene Citrate overdose include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Flushing
• Blurred vision, visual spots or flashes
• Abdominal pain

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if any of these side effects occur and/or if you suspect an overdose of Clomiphene Citrate.

 

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Clomiphene Citrate, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not try to make up for a missed dose by doubling up. If you miss more than one dose, seek advice from your doctor immediately.

 

Notes

Clomiphene Citrate should be taken for female infertility treatment only. Do not share this medication with others, as they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.

 

Storage

Store Clomiphene Citrate at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL OTHER MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

 

Important note

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you. 

 

 

 

Precautions

Before using Clomiphene Citrate, inform your doctor if you suffer or have suffered from any of the following:

• If you might be pregnant
• A thyroid problem or another endocrine disorder
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Endometriosis or endometrial carcinoma
• Uterine fibroids
• A liver disease
• Ovarian cysts or ovarian enlargement not due to polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Any other serious or chronic medical illness

You may not be able to take this medication or your dosage may have to be adjusted if you suffer from any of the above.

Do not take this medication if you are pregnant. Clomiphene Citrate is classed by the FDA as Pregnancy Category X, which means it is known to cause birth defects. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk, so do not take it without first talking to your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Drug interactions

There are no specific known interactions between Clomiphene Citrate and other medication. Talk to your doctor or health care professional before taking any over-the-counter or prescription drugs, including herbal medication. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medication without discussing it with your doctor first.

 

 

Stop taking Clomiphene Citrate and notify your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following side effects of an allergic reaction:

• Hives
• Closing of the throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or face

Also notify your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Enlargement of the ovaries presenting as abdominal or pelvic pain, tenderness, pressure or swelling
• Flushing
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Discomfort or tenderness of the breasts
• Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
• Headache
• Mood swings
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Clomiphene Citrate increases the likelihood of multiple births, which may carry additional risks for both mother and fetuses.

 

Some patients being treated with Clomiphene Citrate have been reported to contract Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Symptoms of OHSS include:

• Swelling of the hands or legs
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Weight gain
• Nausea or vomiting

OHSS can be fatal. Notify your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these side effects.

 

Other side effects than those listed here may also occur. Notify your doctor in case of any unusual side effects or if they are especially bothersome.

 

How does Clomiphene Citrate work? Hormones are the substances your body uses to communicate by attaching them to hormone receptors. When estrogen attaches to its receptor cell, it lets the brain know that estrogen levels are increasing. Clomiphene Citrate has a similar structure to estrogen and works by blocking these receptor cells and preventing estrogen from attaching itself. This tricks the body into thinking there isn’t enough estrogen present in the body. The body then reacts by increasing the estrogen production which will hopefully cause ovulation.

What is the recommended dosage for Clomiphene Citrate? The recommended dosage of Clomiphene Citrate is 50mg per day for 5 days from day 3 or day 5 of the menstrual cycle, with day 1 considered the first day of bleeding). If this dosage is ineffective, your doctor may increase it.

Am I able to drive when using Clomiphene Citrate? During treatment with Clomiphene Citrate, caution is advised when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. This medication may cause blurred vision or other visual side effects during or shortly after therapy. Notify your health care professional immediately if you develop any visual side effects and use caution when performing hazardous activities, especially under conditions of variable lighting.

Can I take Clomiphene Citrate when pregnant or breastfeeding? Clomiphene Citrate is classed as Pregnancy Category X by the FDA, which means it is known to cause birth defects. Therefore, you should not take this medication when pregnant. It is not yet known whether Clomiphene Citrate passes into breast milk, so talk to your doctor before taking this medication when breastfeeding.

Are there any age categories in which Clomiphene Citrate should not be taken? The safety and effectiveness of Clomiphene Citrate when used by children has not been confirmed, therefore this medication should not be used by anyone under the age of 18. Clomiphene Citrate should be used with caution by elderly people as they may experience increased side effects.