Clomid tablets contain the active ingredient Clomid citrate. Clomid is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug.
Clomid works by causing an increase in the levels of hormones in the female body which control the development and release of an egg. These hormones are released from the pituitary gland in the brain and are known as follicle stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone. FSH stimulates the ovaries and LH causes the release of an egg from the ovaries.
Oestrogen normally causes the brain to stop releasing FSH and LH following ovulation, as part of the normal menstrual cycle. It does this by acting on receptors in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which sends messages to the pituitary gland.
Clomid works by blocking the oestrogen receptors in the hypothalamus. This stops oestrogen from acting on these receptors, and therefore stops the message being sent to the pituitary gland. This results in the release of more FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. The increase in these hormones increases the chances of egg development and ovulation.
Clomid is used to stimulate ovulation in women whose infertility is due to problems with ovulation.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- Infertility in women caused by failure of ovulation;
Clomiphene is prescribed for the treatment of ovulatory failure in women who wish to become pregnant and whose husbands are fertile and potent.
Properly timed sexual intercourse is very important to increase the chances of conception. The likelihood of conception diminishes with each succeeding course of treatment. Your doctor will determine the need for continuing therapy after the first course. If you do not ovulate after 3 courses or do not become pregnant after 3 ovulations, your doctor will stop the therapy.
Take Clomid exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- hot flushes;
- enlargement of the ovaries;
- visual disturbances;
- stroke;
- spotting of blood between menstrual periods;
- skin reactions such as rash and itch;
- seizures;
- pain in the lower abdomen in the middle of the menstrual cycle;
- over stimulation of the ovaries causing production of many eggs;
- nervous tension;
- nausea and vomiting;
- loss of contact with reality;
- insomnia;
- hot flushes;
- heavy or painful menstrual periods;
- headache;
- fatigue;
- enlargement of the ovaries;
- endometriosis;
- dizziness;
- depression;
- breast discomfort;
- abdominal discomfort;
The recommended dosage for the first course of treatment is 50 mg daily for 5 days. If ovulation does not appear to have occurred, your doctor may try up to 2 more times.
