Pharmacological category:
Selective estrogen receptor modulator, Progonadotropin
Mechanism of action of the drug:
Clomiphene has estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects, although the exact mechanism of action is unknown. Clomiphene appears to stimulate the release of gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Clomiphene has no known progestational, androgenic, or antandrogenic effects and does not appear to influence the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.
Side effects:
The use of clomiphene citrate can cause side effects such as: mood swings, hot flashes, abdominal discomfort, visual disturbances, ovarian cyst formation, nausea, thinning of the uterine endometrial lining, and reduced cervical mucus production – which can decrease fertility (compensated by insemination). In men, side effects may include: increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, liver damage, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Dosage:
Treatment of the selected patient should begin with a low dose of 50 mg per day for 5 days. Only patients who do not ovulate in response to the cyclical dose of 50 mg of clomiphene should have their dose increased. If unusual sensitivity to pituitary gonadotropin is suspected, such as in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, a low dose or short-term treatment is recommended.
Pharmacological category:
Selective estrogen receptor modulator, Progonadotropin
Mechanism of action of the drug:
Clomiphene has estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects, although the exact mechanism of action is unknown. Clomiphene appears to stimulate the release of gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Clomiphene has no known progestational, androgenic, or antandrogenic effects and does not appear to influence the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.
Side effects:
The use of clomiphene citrate can cause side effects such as: mood swings, hot flashes, abdominal discomfort, visual disturbances, ovarian cyst formation, nausea, thinning of the uterine endometrial lining, and reduced cervical mucus production – which can decrease fertility (compensated by insemination). In men, side effects may include: increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, liver damage, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Dosage:
Treatment of the selected patient should begin with a low dose of 50 mg per day for 5 days. Only patients who do not ovulate in response to the cyclical dose of 50 mg of clomiphene should have their dose increased. If unusual sensitivity to pituitary gonadotropin is suspected, such as in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, a low dose or short-term treatment is recommended.