Clomid

Clomid is a medication that can be prescribed for the treatment of infertility in women. By causing an egg to mature and be released from the ovaries, the medicine can help women who do not normally ovulate become pregnant. Clomid, which comes in a 50 mg tablet that is taken once a day for five days during the menstrual cycle, should be taken at the same time each day to maintain even drug levels in your blood. Potential side effects of the medication may include hot flashes, breast pain, vision changes, and enlargement of the ovaries.

 

What Is Clomid?

Clomid® (clomiphene citrate) is a prescription medication that is used as an infertility treatment for women.
 
(Click Clomid Uses for more information on what Clomid is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Clomid?

Brand-name Clomid is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis. Several manufacturers produce generic Clomid.
 

How Does Clomid Work?

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

Clomid Effects

Clomid can help women who do not normally ovulate become pregnant.
 In clinical studies, 30 percent of women with ovulation problems became pregnant after taking Clomid. 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 Clomid

Some general considerations for when and how to take Clomid include:
 
  • Clomid comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once a day for five days during the menstrual cycle.
     
  • It does not matter if you take Clomid with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Clomid should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For Clomid to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Clomid Dosing

The dose of Clomid that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Whether Clomid has been unsuccessful during your previous cycles
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Clomid dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Clomid Dosage for more information about dosing for Clomid.)
 

Side Effects of Clomid

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Clomid. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Clomid well. When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects of Clomid include:
 
  • Enlargement of the ovaries
  • Hot flashes
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Pelvic pain or bloating
  • Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting
  • Breast pain
  • Vision changes, including blurred vision, double vision, and other vision problems
  • Headache (see Clomid and Migraines)
  • Abnormal menstrual bleeding, including spotting between periods or long, heavy periods.
     
(Click Clomid Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Clomid, including serious side effects to look out for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by going to the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions With Clomid

There are no known drug interactions with Clomid.
 
(Click Clomid Drug Interactions for more information about Clomid and other medicines.)
 

Clomid: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Clomid if you have:
 
  • Thyroid or adrenal problems
  • A brain tumor
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • Fibroids
  • Depression
  • Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Abnormal menstrual bleeding (abnormal periods)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Clomid Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Clomid.)
 

Overdose With Clomid

People who take too much Clomid may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Upset stomach (nausea)
  • Vomiting
  • Hot flashes
  • Blurred vision or other vision problems
  • Enlarged ovaries (which may cause abdominal or pelvic pain).
     
If you happen to overdose on Clomid, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Clomid Overdose for more information.)
 

Clomid: Storage Methods

Clomid should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Clomid tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep Clomid and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Clomid: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Clomid as scheduled, call your healthcare provider right away. Your healthcare provider will decide if you should continue with the rest of your scheduled doses or if you should start over again with your next cycle.
 

Clomid: Strengths

Clomid tablets are available in one strength -- Clomid 50 mg tablets.
 

Generic Clomid

There are currently both brand-name and generic Clomid licensed for sale. Generic Clomid is sold under the following names:
 
(Click Generic Clomid for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;