Clomid (Clomifene Citrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Clomid Used For?
Clomid is a fertility medication that helps women who have trouble conceiving because their ovaries aren’t producing and releasing eggs during their menstrual cycle.
Primary Uses
Clomid treats anovulation, a condition where the ovaries don’t produce and release an egg each menstrual cycle. About 20% of couples who have difficulty conceiving face this issue.
How It Works
Clomid works by stimulating a gland in your brain called the anterior pituitary to release hormones that trigger ovulation. Your ovaries should release an egg 6-12 days after completing a course of Clomid.
Good to know: There are many causes of anovulation, so Clomid may not be effective in all cases. Your doctor will monitor your response to treatment.
How to Take Clomid
Your doctor will tell you exactly when to start taking Clomid based on your menstrual cycle. Take it at the same time each day for best results.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended starting dose is one 50mg tablet per day for five consecutive days at the beginning of your cycle. If ovulation doesn’t occur, your doctor may increase the dose in future treatment cycles. Never increase the dose yourself – taking more than prescribed may overstimulate your ovaries and endanger your health.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Don’t take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase your chance of side effects.
Important: Never take more than your doctor has prescribed. Taking too much may overstimulate your ovaries and damage them.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Hot flashes
- Spotting between periods or heavy menstrual periods
- Breast discomfort
- Vaginal discharge
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Fainting
- Hair loss
- Fever
- Increased frequency of urination
- Visual problems
- Increased heart rate
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Seizures
- Rash, itching, or skin irritation
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, or tongue)
- Erythema multiforme (red, itchy spots that may blister)
- Eye problems (blurred vision, blindness, double vision, eye pain)
- Growth of uterine fibroids
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
- Abdominal discomfort or pelvic pain
- High triglyceride levels in blood
- Weight gain
Important Warnings
Before starting Clomid, your doctor will perform a pelvic examination to check for any conditions that might prevent pregnancy or make Clomid unsuitable for you.
Who Should Not Take Clomid
Don’t use Clomid if you’re allergic to clomifene citrate, have liver disease or liver problems, have hormone-dependent tumors, have abnormal uterine bleeding of unknown cause, have ovarian cysts (except polycystic ovary), or have had vision problems related to previous Clomid use.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, take other medications, have allergies to medicines or other substances, or have a personal or family history of high cholesterol or high triglyceride levels.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Don’t take Clomid during pregnancy. You should have a pregnancy test before each treatment cycle to avoid taking it during early pregnancy. The chances of multiple pregnancies are higher with Clomid use. Clomid is not recommended while breastfeeding.
Multiple Pregnancy Risk: Clomid increases your chances of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.). Discuss potential complications with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery while taking Clomid, as it may affect your vision and coordination.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Clomid affects you. Clomid may cause visual disturbances in some people, so make sure you know how you react before driving or doing anything that could be dangerous if you have blurred vision.
Temperature Regulation
No specific temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Keep your tablets in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Keep tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them. Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – not in the bathroom, car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Clomid, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you don’t feel unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your ovaries should release an egg 6-12 days after completing a course of Clomid. You should have intercourse around this time to maximize your chances of conception.
If your period doesn’t arrive after the 35th day, there are two possibilities: the dose wasn’t sufficient to produce ovulation, or you’re pregnant. Contact your doctor for guidance.
Your doctor will advise you on how many courses of Clomid you should take. Long-term therapy with Clomid is not recommended.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Don’t take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Your doctor may use several methods including basal body temperature charts, urine testing, blood tests, or mucus testing to monitor your response to treatment.
Yes, the chances of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets) are higher when using Clomid. Your doctor will discuss potential complications with you before treatment.
Visual symptoms may be permanent in some cases. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, spots, flashes, difficulty reading, or any other eye problems.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.