Clomiphene Citrate

Clomiphene Citrate is a drug used to stimulate the release of hormones that cause ovulation.

It is used in women:

• who do not ovulate
• who ovulate irregularly
• who are going to have IUI
• who undergo the clomiphene challenge test used to evaluate the ovarian reserve, which is the number and the quality of eggs available for fertilization

It is usually taken orally from day 5 to day 9 of the menstrual cycle for 5 consecutive days, for 3 –6 months.

Side effects can include hot flashes, nausea, abdominal pain, irritability, headaches, and breast tenderness. If blurred vision occurs, medical attention is required.

Risks related to this medication include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). In addition, clomiphene increases the chances of multiple pregnancies from 1%-2% in general population to 5%-8% with clomiphene therapy. Generally multiples are twins and triplets are rare.

Pregnancy occurs generally within 3 to 6 cycles of clomiphene. Prolonged treatment is typically not useful.