Meta Information
ID:clomiphene-citrate
Name:Clomiphene Citrate
Schema Version:1.5
Alternate Names
- Clomid
- Serophene
Active Compound
clomiphene
Intervention Type
therapeutic_agent
Delivery
Route:
oral
Scope:
- systemic
Regulatory Status
- us:rx_drug
- eu:rx_drug
Indication
Focus:
disease_treatment
Description:
Treatment of ovulatory dysfunction in women seeking pregnancy due to anovulation or oligo-ovulation.
Typical Protocol
- Initial dose of 50 mg orally once daily for 5 days, starting on or about the fifth day of the menstrual cycle.
- If ovulation does not occur, dosage may be increased to 100 mg daily for 5 days in subsequent cycles, up to a maximum of three treatment cycles.
Expected Cost Mean
Low Cost:
10
High Cost:
50
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Monthly cost for a typical cycle of medication, often covered by insurance if medically indicated.
Summary
Clomiphene citrate is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus. This action leads to increased pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to release more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), thereby inducing follicular development and ovulation. It is primarily used to treat anovulatory infertility in women desiring pregnancy.
Purpose
Induces ovulation to treat anovulatory infertility in women seeking pregnancy.
Card Summary
A Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) used to induce ovulation in women with anovulatory infertility.
Drug Class
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)
Drugs In Class
Empty Array
Impact
Score:
7.5
Justification:
Highly effective for inducing ovulation in appropriate anovulatory patients.
Evidence
Grade:
A
Score:
8.5
Justification:
Extensive human RCTs and clinical experience support its efficacy for ovulation induction.
Safety
Score:
5.5
Justification:
Common side effects include hot flashes, ovarian enlargement, and multiple pregnancies.
Flags
- Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), though typically mild.
- Increased risk of multiple pregnancies (up to 10% for twins, <1% for triplets or more).
- Visual disturbances (blurred vision, scotoma) can occur, requiring discontinuation.
- Contraindicated in liver disease, ovarian cysts (not polycystic ovary syndrome), or abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined diagnosis.
- Prolonged use beyond 6 cycles is generally not recommended due to diminishing returns and potential risks.
Verdict
Effective for specific infertility; requires medical supervision.