Drug reference
clomiphene citrate
Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) · Ovulation Inducer, Infertility Agent
Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)Ovulation Inducer, Infertility Agent
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
X
FDA category + note
Mechanism
It binds to both ERα and ERβ and acts as a pure estrogen antagonist in all human tissues, but the racemate displays weak agonistic action in rats. It induces Gn secretion in women by blocking estrogenic feedback inhibition of pituitary. The amount of LH/FSH released at each secretory pulse is increased. In response, the ovaries enlarge and ovulation occurs if the ovaries are responsive to Gn.
Indications
Infertility due to failure of ovulationAid in vitro fertilizationOligozoospermia
Dosing
- Adult
- For infertility: 50 mg once daily for 5 days starting from 5th day of cycle. Treatment given monthly. If 1–2 months treatment does not result in conception, daily dose may be doubled for 2–3 cycles. No more than 6 treatment cycles should be tried. For male infertility: 25 mg daily given for 24 days in a month with 6 days rest for up to 6 months.
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
~6 days
Excretion
largely metabolized and excreted in bile
Contraindications
- Ovaries unresponsive to Gn
Side effects
Common
Polycystic ovariesMultiple pregnancyHot flushesGastric upsetVertigoAllergic dermatitis
Serious
- Increased risk of ovarian tumour
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
X
Drug interactions
2 additional unreviewed or low-confidence interactions hidden because their provenance or source detail is insufficient.
Related guidelines
Other Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) drugs
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Textbook-sourced·Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Updated: 2026-05-10