• Why is this medication prescribed? 

Clomid is an infertility drug, widely used in treating infertility in women. Female infertility might be an outcome of hormonal problems, malfunction of the reproductive organs due to some other reasons or disease or any infection. Generally, Clomid is indicated for the treatment of ovulatory dysfunction in women desiring pregnancy or going through the phase of primary infertility which should be understood as inability to conceive after 12 months of regular sexual intercourse without the use of contraception. Here, ovulatory dysfunction means that the ovaries, the female reproductive organ, have problems in producing eggs or not producing quality eggs that can help in fruitful conceiving. Clomid interacts with pituitary gland resulting in growth of the ovarian follicle and stimulating egg production. Existing data and research suggest that both the estrogenic and antiestrogenic (both are female reproductive harmones) properties of Clomiphene may participate in the initiation of ovulation. Clomid stimulates and reregulates the hormone system that ultimately fuels the growth of egg in women. It works to make sure ovulation (produce an egg) in each cycle and thereby increases the possibilities of pregnancy in women. Hence, greater the egg production, superior the chances of pregnancy! (More eggs= greater the chances of pregnancy) It is a well tolerated fertility drug mostly used for infertility treatment in females. This fertility drug has touched the mark of 70% in stimulating ovulation in most of the cases within the first trimester of treatment.  Class of this medication? Clomiphene citrate or Clomid is a pharmacologic potency drug. It is a nonsteroidal ovulatory stimulant. Clomid interacts with pituitary gland resulting in growth of the ovarian follicle and stimulating egg production.

  • How should this medicine be used? 

CLOMID therapy should be directed by experienced doctor or gynecologic expert. Clomid is for oral administration and it is available in 50 mg packing which is also a usual dose to start the treatment. Daily dose may range from 50 mg to 150 mg depending on your body response to the drug. It should be timed according to your ovulation date. Please note that, the Clomid therapy is only to be indicated in females planning for a pregnancy that does not have any ovarian cysts or issue of abnormal vaginal bleeding and having a healthy liver.

  • What are the other uses of this medicine? 

Originally Clomid was studied as a potential birth control medication after that it is researched as an infertility treatment. Other uses of Clomid include:

 

  1. menstrual abnormalities
  2. fibrocystic breasts
  3. persistent breast milk production

 

  • What special precautions should I follow?

 Remember for successful therapy, you should always be aware of the precautions associated with the drug. It can save you from misuse and abuse of drug. Some of the precautions that are described with Clomid therapy includes following: • Clomid is contraindicated to patients who are allergic to clomiphene citrate or to any of its ingredients. • Clomid can cause potential damage to fetus. To avoid inadvertent CLOMID administration during early pregnancy, appropriate tests should be utilized during each treatment cycle to determine whether ovulation and/or pregnancy occur for getting full benefit and success of the treatment.

 

  1. It can cause adverse results in patients with liver disease or a history of liver dysfunction.
  2. It should not be given to those patients with abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin.
  3. This medication can also interact with uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction or pituitary tumor.

 

 

  • What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Some foods and beverages may interact with drugs pharmacology and may result in unsuccessfulness of the therapy or less benefits than the expected. However, there are no special precautions to be taken in dietary linked with Clomid unless your prescriber have suggested you a few according to your health parameters. It is also suggested that you should keep your alcohol beverage at a low during medication.

  • What should I do if I for forget a dose? 

You should always follow all the instructions as described by your prescriber to get maximum benefit of the drug. As far as Clomid therapy is concern, you should keep a track of timing as this medication is adjusted according to your ovulation date. You have to take this medicine at a regular time of the as well. In case you have forgotten to take a dose, take it if you remember it soon after the regular time. Do not take extra dose to settle up last dose. If there is confusion, make a call to your doctor.

  • What side effects can this medication cause? 

Each drug comes with some side effects that vary from person to person as per their overall body health response to the provided medical aid. Some of the few side effects reported with Clomid medication are listed below. The occurrence of these side effects is very low yet in case you observed any of these please call an appointment with your medical examiner. Acne, allergic reaction, fever, weakness, migraine headache or seizure, stroke

  1. Chest pain, shortness of breath or any Cardiac abnormalities
  2. Ear abnormalities and deafness or malformations of the eye and lens (cataract)
  3. Lung tissue malformations
  4. Ovarian cyst and tubal pregnancy
  5. Anxiety, irritability, mood changes, psychosis
  6. Visual Disorders
  7. Thyroid disorder

 

  • What should I know about storage and disposal of the medication?

Clomid should be stored at controlled room temperature between 15-30°C and protected from heat, light, and excessive humidity. Remember to put this drug away from the reach of children as well. If your drug is out of date or you are not using it, dispose it as suggested by your prescriber.

  • In case of emergency / overdose?

You should always take recommended dose of this medication at a regular time according to your ovulation cycle. In case of overdose please consult your doctor. The use of more than the recommended dose during CLOMID therapy can cause nausea, vomiting, vasomotor flushes, visual blurring, spots or flashes, ovarian enlargement with pelvic or abdominal pain.

  • What other information should I know?

You should know about your ovulation date if you are going to initiate treatment with Clomid. Ovulation is when one or more eggs are released from one of your ovaries. This is the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle. Ovulation takes place sometime around day 13 to 15 day of your menstrual cycle considering the first day of menstruation being day one in a regular 28 day cycle. You may be referred for some tests as well by your doctor for knowing these special days as Clomid treatment depends on it. Other than it, keep a track of your all appointments, your medicine information and other additional information that your prescriber has described. You should also tell all your medical history to your doctor as well as ask all about taking any non-prescribe supplements such as proteins, meinerals or any other herbal products during the therapy.

  • What are the other Brand names of this drug ?

Clomiphene citrate is traded under following brand names:

  1. Clomid
  2. Milophene
  3. Serophene