Clomid (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).

Indications and Usage

Clomid is indicated for the treatment of ovulatory dysfunction in women desiring pregnancy. Impediments to achieving pregnancy must be excluded or adequately treated before beginning Clomid therapy. Those patients most likely to achieve success with clomiphene therapy include patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, amenorrhea-galactorrhea syndrome, psychogenic amenorrhea, post-oral-contraceptive amenorrhea, and certain cases of secondary amenorrhea of undetermined etiology.

Properly timed coitus in relationship to ovulation is important. A basal body temperature graph or other appropriate tests may help the patient and her physician determine if ovulation occurred. Once ovulation has been established, each course of Clomid should be started on or about the 5th day of the cycle. Long-term cyclic therapy is not recommended beyond a total of about six cycles (including three ovulatory cycles).

Use Clomid 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.

How should I take Clomid?

Clomid 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 Clomid. You will most likely ovulate within 5 to 10 days after you take Clomid. To improve your chance of becoming pregnant, you should have sexual intercourse while you are ovulating. Your doctor may have you take 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, Clomid should not be used for more than 3 treatment 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 Clomid.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

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.

Clomid side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Clomid: 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
• pain when you breathe, rapid heart rate, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down)

Stop using Clomid 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
• heavy vaginal bleeding

Common Clomid side effects may include:

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• breast pain or tenderness
• headache
• 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.

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 Clomid 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.

Treatments beyond three cycles of Clomid, dosages greater than 100 mg once a day, and/or course durations beyond 5 days are not recommended by the manufacturer. However, successful pregnancies and term deliveries have been reported in women receiving up to 200 mg/day for 5 days, or extended 10-day course of therapy, or consecutive cycles of treatment beyond the 3 recommended by the manufacturer.