Ovulation is considered a phase in a menstrual cycle where your ovary is responsible for releasing an egg.
Doctors prescribe Clomid tablets to treat irregular or absent ovulation in people who are trying to get pregnant.
The clomid tablet contains clomiphene as its active ingredient and is manufactured by Sanofi India Ltd.
However, this medication is not prescribed for women whose ovaries cannot make eggs properly.
Uses of Clomiphene citrate
The Clomiphene citrate tablet is used to treat medical conditions:
- Treatment of male infertility
- Treatment of female infertility
The working mechanism of the Clomid tablet
Clomid contains clomiphene which belongs to a class of drugs called ovulation stimulants.
This medicine increases the release of two hormones including follicle-stimulation hormone (LSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
In females, increased FSH and LH levels promote the growth and maturation of eggs, causing ovulation.
In males, these hormones play a vital role in encouraging testes to produce more testosterone and improve sperm production.
Thus, the production of good sperm and ovulation is extremely necessary for fertility.
How to use it?
Always take clomid tablets exactly in the same way as directed by your doctor. Swallow this medicine with a glass of water.
Do not crush or chew this medication as the effectiveness of Clomid can be decreased.
The correct dosage and duration of therapy will depend upon your body weight, age, and medical condition.
It is vital to follow the dosing schedule carefully to attain maximum benefits from the Clomid tablet.
Most women take this drug only for 5 days, but a doctor might adjust the length of treatment.
This medicine should not be taken more often or for a longer time than directed by your doctor.
Long-term treatment with this tablet is not suggested and must not be more than 6 cycles.
Your doctor can recommend recording body temperature, performing certain ovulation tests, and sexual intercourse time. If Clomid tablets not working for you, consult with your doctor.
Missed dose
In case, you have missed a dose of Clomid tablet then take it immediately as soon as you remember.
But if it’s time for your next prescribed dose then skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosage schedule.
Never take a double dose of Clomid tablets just to make up for your missed dosage because this can be dangerous.
Overdose
If you have overdosed and experience problems like trouble breathing or passing out then call the doctor.
Precautions and warnings
Make sure you understand properly how and when to use Clomid tablets.
To increase your chance of pregnancy, you must know when you are ovulating and when to have sexual activity.
It is suggested to visit the doctor regularly to check your progress. Also, follow your doctor’s directions strictly.
You might require tests to check hormone levels in your blood or simply use home-urine tests to check for ovulation.
Before starting your treatment with Clomid, inform your doctor if you are allergic to Clomiphene or have other allergies.
Also, you must inform the doctor beforehand about your medical history, especially of:
- Ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries
- Thyroid or adrenal gland issues
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Uterus disorders such as endometriosis & uterine fibroids
- High levels of fats/triglycerides in your blood
- Tumor in brain
Intake of this medicine can also result in multiple births like twins & triplets. Discuss with your doctor once.
Pregnant women must avoid using this medication as it can cause potential harm to their developing baby.
While engaging in activities that demand clear vision and mental alertness, you must take proper precautions as clomid can cause dizziness.
Inform the doctor about all other medications you take to make sure the Clomid tablet is safe for you.
Intake of alcoholic beverages or smoking tobacco might reduce your possibility of becoming pregnant.
So, limit or stop your alcohol consumption and tobacco during treatment for fertility problems.
Side effects
Like other medicines, Clomid tablets can also cause some side effects. Though mild side effects can be managed.
Changes in your vision might occur sometimes during treatment with Clomid, mainly when exposed to bright light.
However, these side effects usually go away after a few days or weeks after your treatment is stopped.
A very severe allergic reaction to this medicine is rare. Contact your doctor, if you experience symptoms of allergic reactions like rashes.
Some side effects of Clomid tablets include:
- Vasomotor flushes
- Ovarian enlargement
- Vomiting
- Abdominal-pelvic discomfort
- Nausea
- Headache
- Visual symptoms
- Menorrhagia
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Intermenstrual spotting
Most side effects of Clomid tablets do not require any medical attention as they disappear when your body adjusts to Clomid.
Get emergency medical help, if any of your side effects continue or become worse.
Interactions
Pay attention to drug interactions as they can alter the working mechanism of your medicine or increase the risk of side effects.
Without a doctor’s approval, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication.
During treatment with Clomid tablets, the following medications must be avoided:
- Acenocoumarol
- Estradiol
- Tibolone
- Ethinyl estradiol
Storage
Doctors suggest storing Clomid tablets at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Frequently asked questions about Clomid tablet
Is Clomid tablet safe for you?
The clomid tablet is considered safe if it is taken in doses as directed by a doctor.
If any unusual side effects are experienced then call the doctor once.
Can children use Clomid tablets?
The clomid tablet is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below the age of 18 years. Take advice from your doctor.
Is Clomid responsible for affecting the liver?
Yes, Clomid tablets might affect the working mechanism of your liver. It can elevate levels of some liver enzymes in the body.
Patients suffering from liver disorders must take Clomid tablets only after consulting a doctor.