Clome

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Clome

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Clome


Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Clomifene Citrate (INN: Clomifene)
Form Oral Tablet
Pharmacological class Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)
Common use Induction of Ovulation
Origin Synthetic, Nonsteroidal

What Type of Medicine is Clome? Identity and Classification

Clome is a synthetic, nonsteroidal pharmaceutical preparation primarily categorized as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). This specific pharmacological class dictates that the drug modulates hormonal receptors, acting as an agonist (activator) in some tissues and an antagonist (blocker) in others, which differs from administering external hormones. The compound exerts a selective effect on the central endocrine system. This action has established Clome's clinical recognition as a key agent for patients experiencing difficulty in achieving regular ovulation.

Composition and Form: The Clomifene Citrate Entity

The active ingredient in this medication is Clomifene Citrate (INN: Clomifene), and it is provided as a single-active ingredient product in the dosage form of an oral tablet. Clomifene is chemically defined as a triphenylethylene derivative, which is a synthetic compound. This orally administered drug has a unique composition: Clomifene Citrate is a salt that includes the active molecule as a mixture of two distinct geometric isomers, zuclomiphene and enclomiphene, which collectively contribute to the drug's dual-acting hormonal profile.

General Purpose: Why is Clome Used?

The overall general purpose of Clome is to facilitate the induction of ovulation, meaning to help the body successfully release a mature egg. The drug achieves this by temporarily interfering with the negative feedback loop that estrogen exerts on the brain's control centers. This interference causes the pituitary gland to increase its own output of essential reproductive hormones, including Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The resulting controlled hormonal surge stimulates the follicular maturation and egg release, which is the necessary process required to address ovulatory dysfunction.

What side effects are possible with Clome?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The medicine's safety profile is documented by regulatory authorities, with adverse reactions categorized by frequency and affected body system. The most frequently observed side effects are classified as Very Common, including vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flushes.

Common adverse reactions typically affecting the reproductive, nervous, ocular, and gastrointestinal systems may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, ovarian enlargement, and temporary visual symptoms (e.g., blurred vision or scotomata). Effects classified as Uncommon include dizziness, insomnia, and depression.

Serious Adverse Reactions highlighted in regulatory labeling include Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and the risk of thromboembolic events (blood clots). Cases of prolonged or irreversible visual disturbance have been reported, particularly associated with increased dosage or duration of therapy.

Safety limitations specify the medicine is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease, a history of liver dysfunction, undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding, or certain types of ovarian cysts. The use of Clome is also associated with an increased chance of multiple gestation (twins or higher-order pregnancies).

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory profile for an overdose of Clomifene Citrate (Clome) details specific documented manifestations and mandates immediate emergency action.

Overdose presentations may include a cluster of visual disturbances such as blurred vision, scotomata (blind spots), or scintillating scotomata (flashes). Other documented systemic signs include nausea, vomiting, and vasomotor flushes, alongside abdominal or pelvic pain which may be related to ovarian enlargement.

A major concern noted in official documentation is the risk of severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). This condition can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical management. Furthermore, the potential for an irreversible visual disorder is associated with excessive dosage or prolonged exposure to the drug.

When to Seek Immediate Help

When an overdose is suspected, or upon the appearance of severe symptoms like trouble breathing or signs of OHSS, emergency medical attention must be sought immediately. A physician must be contacted promptly if any symptoms of OHSS occur, and the medication must be ceased immediately if visual symptoms develop. Due to the regulatory statement that no specific antidote is known, management focuses on symptomatic and supportive treatment, including the potential requirement for hospital monitoring and specific procedures like gastric lavage. Immediate ophthalmological examination is required for any visual changes.

Therapeutic Uses of Clome

What Clome Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Clome (clomifene) is a non-steroidal medication primarily used to address specific types of infertility in women. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and works by stimulating the hormonal processes necessary for ovulation.

Primary Indications

The medication is indicated for women who are unable to conceive due to ovulatory dysfunction. This includes several specific conditions:

  • Anovulation: A condition where the ovaries do not release an egg during a menstrual cycle.
  • Oligovulation: Infrequent or irregular ovulation, which makes timing conception difficult.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Clome is frequently used as a first-line treatment to induce ovulation in patients with PCOS, provided that the underlying pituitary and ovarian functions are intact.

How It Works

Clome acts by binding to estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus. This action tricks the body into perceiving low estrogen levels, which triggers the pituitary gland to increase the production of two essential hormones:

  1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.
  2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovary (ovulation).

Benefits and Clinical Goals

The primary benefit of Clome therapy is the restoration of a regular ovulatory cycle. By normalizing the timing of egg release, the medication increases the statistical probability of natural conception for couples who have faced difficulties due to ovulatory factors.

  • Predictability: It helps establish a more predictable window for conception.
  • Efficacy in PCOS: It is recognized for its effectiveness in helping patients with PCOS achieve ovulation when lifestyle modifications alone are insufficient.
  • Targeted Action: Unlike more complex fertility treatments, it specifically targets the hormonal feedback loop to encourage the body's natural reproductive processes.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Clome — Official Regulatory Information


Eligibility Scope

Category Official Regulatory Status
Populations for whom use is allowed (as stated in label): Women desiring pregnancy with demonstrated ovulatory dysfunction (e.g., anovulation, oligo-ovulation), including those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Populations for whom use is not recommended (if applicable): Patients whose ovulatory failure is due to primary pituitary failure or primary ovarian failure (inefficient use); Use is generally not established for pediatric or geriatric populations.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated: Pregnancy; liver disease or a history of hepatic dysfunction; abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin; ovarian cysts or enlargement not due to PCOS; uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction; presence of an organic intracranial lesion (e.g., pituitary tumor); and known hypersensitivity to clomifene citrate.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status (if explicitly documented): Pregnancy is Contraindicated. Lactation use is generally not recommended or advised with caution due to unknown excretion into human milk and potential to reduce lactation.

Eligibility Classifications (High-Level)

Category Regulatory Status Definition
Eligibility severity classification (as defined in official documents): Contraindicated (absolute prohibition); Restricted/Conditional Use (requires caution or pre-treatment evaluation); Not Established (no sufficient data).

Resulting Eligibility Structure

Official eligibility statements:

  • The medicine is contraindicated in patients with a history of liver disease or hepatic dysfunction.
  • Use is prohibited for any patient who is pregnant.
  • Clome is contraindicated in the presence of an organic intracranial lesion or uncontrolled thyroid/adrenal dysfunction.
  • Use requires specific caution in patients with uterine fibroids or endometriosis.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile (2–4 sentences): Official regulatory documents establish a specific eligibility profile for Clome, restricting its use exclusively to adult women with demonstrated ovulatory dysfunction. Use is absolutely prohibited for groups with certain systemic health issues, such as liver disease, or uncontrolled endocrine disorders. The profile defines multiple non-eligible conditions, ensuring use is limited to the defined population only after critical health contraindications are ruled out.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The regulatory documentation for Clomifene Citrate establishes a specific restriction on co-administration with other hormonal therapies. The medicinal product is strictly contraindicated for co-use with Ospemifene, which is also classified as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). This prohibition is based on the potential for additive pharmacodynamic effects resulting from both agents acting similarly on estrogen-receptor-containing tissues, which may increase certain risks.

Drug-Drug Interaction Profile

Beyond this formal prohibition, official prescribing information notes that Clomifene has been used in combination with other ovulation-inducing drugs. However, regulatory sources do not recommend a standardized combined regimen, citing a potential for cumulative or additive risk. This may include the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), particularly when Clomifene is used alongside agents like gonadotropins.

Pharmacokinetic and Substance Interactions

The official regulatory profile does not document specific interactions related to drug metabolism. No clinically significant interactions involving Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes or drug transport proteins are formally listed in the labeling. Furthermore, regulatory documents generally state that no interactions are known with common non-medicinal substances, including food, alcohol, or herbal products. Consequently, the official product labeling specifies no mandatory timing rules or separation requirements for administration.

Mechanism of Action

How Clome Modulates Primary Receptor Systems

Clome works by initiating a targeted binding to key regulatory receptors in the nervous system, acting as a selective modulator to adjust the receptor's functional response. This initial step influences core mechanisms by engaging systems where specific transmitters dominate, resulting in the attenuation of excessive signaling at the cellular level.

Clome's Influence on Neural Signaling Pathways

The drug modifies early molecular steps within specific neurotransmitter pathways, altering the dynamics of signaling cascades associated with heightened physiological responses. Clome's mechanism operates in states where targeted pathway adjustment is required, contributing to the regulation of processes driven by distinct signaling patterns.

Regulation of Systemic Physiological Feedback

Clome’s action ultimately influences the regulation of overactive or dysregulated physiological processes by modulating systemic homeostatic feedback loops. This contributes to the normalization of overactive responses and reduces the downstream impact of excessive mediator activity, leading to physiological adjustments that determine the drug's overall mechanistic profile.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Clome: Official Administration Guidelines

The usage of Clomifene Citrate (Clome) is governed by a precise, cyclic protocol to facilitate the induction of ovulation. The medication is delivered in a fixed-duration, oral regimen, and its administration is strictly tied to the patient's reproductive timing.


Administration Scope

Entity Detail
Route of administration Oral administration.
Dosing schedule The initial course begins with 50 mg taken once daily for five consecutive days. If ovulation does not occur, the dose may be increased to 100 mg once daily for five days in subsequent courses, but should not exceed 100 mg per day.
Timing in relation to meals There is no specified requirement for mandatory administration with or without food.
Age-group rules Use is limited to women of reproductive age; it is not applicable in the pediatric population. The medication is contraindicated in patients with liver impairment.

Resulting Procedural Structure

The official protocol outlines a controlled sequence for use:

  • Begin the first course of treatment with a 50 mg oral dose once daily.
  • Take the dose for five consecutive days, typically starting on or about the fifth day of the menstrual cycle.
  • Before starting any subsequent course, the patient must be confirmed as not pregnant, and clinical monitoring is required to assess the prior course’s response.
  • Adhere to a maximum limit of six total courses of therapy, regardless of the dose used.

This structured use protocol ensures the medication is administered cyclically and within the defined dosage and duration parameters.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence from Controlled Trials in Ovulatory Dysfunction

The foundational research for Clome, whose active ingredient is Clomifene Citrate, was studied for women experiencing difficulty achieving regular ovulation (ovulatory dysfunction). Core evidence comes from numerous Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. These studies were applied in research exploring the use of Clomifene Citrate in women with anovulatory or oligo-ovulatory infertility. Researchers monitored endpoints such as the Ovulation Rate, the Clinical Pregnancy Rate, and the Live Birth Rate over defined cycles. Trials consistently monitored and reported hormone levels related to the pituitary-ovarian axis as part of the study’s data collection.


Focus on Key Study Populations

The main clinical investigations focused on adult females of reproductive age, often including those with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), and generally excluding those with known issues like tubal blockage. Research describes the patterns observed in these groups. However, the results apply only to the populations studied, meaning data for certain groups where multiple fertility factors are present remain insufficient.


Review of Short-Term vs. Longer-Term Follow-up Data

Most research was evaluated in studies observing responses over defined time intervals (intermediate-term, typically up to six cycles). Follow-up durations were limited in many trials that led to regulatory approval. Long-term effects are not fully established, meaning there is limited information for long-term outcomes that contributes to understanding patterns of subsequent reproductive function well beyond the period of active treatment.


Inconsistencies and Research Gaps

Despite the extensive history of research, certain aspects remain insufficiently studied. The evidence quality varies across studies, especially older reports. The noted pattern of an anti-estrogenic effect on the cervical mucus and endometrium was an observation discussed in the research. The availability of comparative studies against newer fertility agents is limited in the published literature, indicating research is ongoing to fully characterize the broader evidence landscape.

Key Studies & References Clomiphene citrate: an effective treatment for hypogonadism (Systematic Review)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Clome (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Clome start working?

Clome initiates a process that modulates key hormone levels, with the aim of promoting follicular development and subsequent ovulation. Studies examining its effectiveness track endpoints like the Ovulation Rate over defined cycles. The official information highlights that clinical monitoring is typically required after each course to evaluate the body’s response.


Q: How long do you usually take Clome for?

Official prescribing guidelines describe the use of Clome in courses, recommending a limit of about six total cycles of therapy. This maximum includes treatment cycles that lead to ovulation. Use beyond this total number of cycles is generally not supported by the majority of official prescribing information for routine use.


Q: Is it normal to feel tired when first starting Clome?

While tiredness or fatigue are not listed among the most frequently reported side effects, official documents note that other central nervous system effects, such as dizziness and insomnia (difficulty sleeping), have been reported. These kinds of effects may contribute to feelings of being tired, and this information is provided to make the user aware of the possibility.


Q: Can Clome affect my sleep?

According to official regulatory documents, insomnia—which is difficulty sleeping or being unable to fall asleep—has been reported as an adverse reaction during the use of Clome. This information is provided to make the user aware of the possibility.


Q: What happens if I forget to take a Clome dose?

The official product documentation does not typically provide specific individualized instructions for handling missed doses. It is noted that the medication is designed to be taken once daily for five consecutive days as part of a fixed cycle. Questions about how to proceed with a specific missed dose must be directed to a healthcare provider.


Q: How do I know Clome is working for my condition?

The effectiveness of a course of Clome is typically assessed through clinical monitoring. This often includes a physical examination and confirmation of whether or not ovulation has successfully occurred. This necessary evaluation takes place before any subsequent courses of therapy can be initiated.


Q: Can Clome cause weight changes?

Official regulatory prescribing information includes both weight gain and weight loss among the reported adverse events, although they are generally not listed as the most common effects.


Q: Does Clome interact with birth control pills?

Clome is classified as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) and is strictly contraindicated for co-administration with other SERMs like Ospemifene due to the risk of additive effects. Interactions with other non-SERM oral contraceptives or hormonal products are not specifically listed, but the official documentation indicates all existing treatments should be discussed with the prescribing healthcare professional.


Q: Is Clome safe for someone with a history of heart issues?

Official documents list thromboembolic events (blood clots) as a serious adverse reaction associated with this medication. For this reason, use is generally contraindicated in patients with active blood vessel disease or a known history of blood clots. Individual circumstances, including medical history, are factors reviewed by a healthcare provider before use is initiated.


Q: Does Clome interact with common cold and flu medicines?

The official regulatory prescribing information generally states that interactions between Clome and other medicinal products have not been described for common, non-hormonal agents, such as most cold and flu medicines. However, the official documentation indicates all existing treatments should be discussed with the prescribing healthcare professional.


Q: Is it possible for Clome to lose effectiveness over time?

Official guidance documents emphasize that many successful responses are observed within the first three courses of therapy. If ovulation has not occurred after the maximum recommended courses, the official documents advise that the diagnosis should be re-evaluated, which may imply a potential lack of effectiveness in that patient.


Q: Why do some people say Clome didn't work for them?

Official documents state that Clome is indicated only for patients in whom ovulatory dysfunction is demonstrated. If the failure to ovulate is due to certain underlying conditions, such as primary pituitary failure or primary ovarian failure, the medicine is officially considered inefficient and may not be successful in those cases.


Q: Will I have withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Clome?

The official regulatory profile does not contain any documented evidence to suggest that stopping Clome causes withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, official prescribing information does not contain statements regarding the risk of dependence.


Q: What should I do if a side effect feels severe?

The official regulatory label indicates that immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms of serious adverse reactions occur. This includes symptoms related to conditions like Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) or any prolonged changes in vision.


Q: How long does Clome stay in my system after the last use?

The medication is composed of two chemical components (isomers), one of which has a prolonged action in the body. Official studies tracking pharmacokinetics indicate that traces of the drug can still be detected in the body for up to six weeks after the last dose is taken.


Q: Is Clome a prescription-only medicine?

Yes, Clome is classified as a prescription-only medicine in most regulatory jurisdictions. This means it requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider before it can be dispensed.


Q: Does Clome have a risk of dependence?

Official prescribing information from regulatory bodies does not contain any statements regarding the potential for drug abuse or the risk of dependence associated with Clomifene Citrate.


Q: Is there a generic version of Clome available?

The active ingredient, Clomifene Citrate, has been approved by regulatory bodies for use. As a result, generic versions containing the same active ingredient are generally available on the market in most regions.


Q: What are the reported success rates for Clome?

Clinical trials tracked successful therapy, characterized by pregnancy, in approximately 30% of patients who received Clome. The overall ovulation rate observed was approximately 80% of patients who were suitable for treatment, according to official study summaries.


Q: Does the time of day matter when taking Clome?

General administration guidance indicates that the dose is typically taken at approximately the same time every day during the five-day course. This is to help maintain a consistent schedule throughout the treatment period.


Q: How often do people need follow-up appointments when using Clome?

The official prescribing information states that clinical monitoring is required before starting the first course of treatment and before initiating each subsequent course. This monitoring is necessary to assess the patient's response and ensure the medicine is being used safely.


Q: Does Clome affect blood pressure?

Official documentation lists changes in blood pressure, including both hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), as adverse events that have been reported. These are not listed among the most common effects, but they are recognized in the safety profile.

How should Clome be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Clomiphene Citrate Tablets

Clomiphene citrate tablets must be stored at a Controlled Room Temperature, specifically defined as 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). The medication requires protection from heat, light, and excessive humidity, and it is strictly prohibited to freeze the tablets. The product must be kept in a closed container and stored out of the reach of children.

Disposal Requirements

For disposal of unused or expired tablets, official guidance recommends utilizing a drug take-back program. If a program is unavailable, the medication may be discarded in the household trash after mixing the tablets with an undesirable substance, such as coffee grounds or dirt. All personal information should be removed from the prescription label before discarding the original container.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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