Ikaclomin

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

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 Ikaclomin

Property Description
Active ingredient Clomifene citrate
Form Oral tablet
Pharmacological class Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)
Common use Ovulation stimulation
Origin Synthetic, nonsteroidal compound

Ikaclomin is a prescription-only medication containing the synthetic active ingredient clomifene citrate, which is clinically recognized as an effective ovulatory stimulant. This medicine is structurally a nonsteroidal compound that is administered orally as a single-ingredient product to promote the hormonal changes required for egg release. This pharmaceutical preparation is frequently associated with supporting women undergoing initial pharmacological approaches to manage infertility.


What Type of Medicine is Ikaclomin?

Ikaclomin belongs to the highly specific pharmacological class of Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). The drug’s classification as a SERM means it selectively interacts with the body's estrogen receptors, primarily exhibiting an antiestrogenic effect in key areas like the hypothalamus. The structure of clomifene citrate is that of a triphenyl ethylene stilbene derivative, confirming its synthetic origin and differentiating it from naturally derived hormonal agents.


Ikaclomin's Composition and Physical Form

The core active component is clomifene citrate, which is formulated into a solid, oral dosage form. Ikaclomin is consistently prepared as a tablet, making it convenient for oral intake. The composition includes the clomifene active ingredient along with the necessary solid excipients required for the compressed tablet structure.


General Purpose: How It Works to Help

The general therapeutic purpose of Ikaclomin is to serve as an ovulatory stimulant for women experiencing difficulty conceiving due to the absence or irregularity of egg release. Its action relies on triggering the hormonal cascade that leads to the natural follicular rupture, or ovulation. This highly specific function makes the drug suitable for women diagnosed with anovulatory or oligo-ovulatory infertility who require pharmacological assistance to regulate their cycle and achieve the hormonal surge needed for egg release.

Regulatory References

  1. Clomifene in WHO Essential Medicines List
  2. WHO Essential Medicines List for Clomifene

What side effects are possible with Ikaclomin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Ikaclomin (clomifene citrate) is formally documented by regulatory bodies, classifying adverse reactions by frequency and the body system affected.


Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Side effects are categorized based on their incidence reported in clinical data, according to regulatory standards (e.g., EMA/FDA):

Classification Examples of Reactions
Very Common ( ge 1/10 ) Vasomotor flushing (hot flashes), Ovarian enlargement
Common ( ge 1/100 to < 1/10 ) Headache, abdominal discomfort/distension, nausea, certain visual symptoms (blurring, scotomata), dizziness
Uncommon ( ge 1/1,000 to < 1/100 ) Insomnia, depression, abnormal uterine bleeding, urticaria, rash, alopecia
Rare ( ge 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000 ) Cataract, optic neuritis

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The most clinically significant adverse reaction documented in regulatory labels is Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a potentially life-threatening condition. While most visual symptoms are reversible upon discontinuation, the potential for irreversible visual disturbances is explicitly noted, particularly with increased total dose or prolonged use.

Ikaclomin is contraindicated in patients with specific pre-existing conditions, including active liver disease or a history of liver dysfunction, and in the presence of undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding.

Safety labels also note that use for more than a total of six cycles is not generally recommended in some official sources. The medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documentation for clomifene citrate, the active component of Ikaclomin, describes specific clinical signs associated with overexposure. Documented manifestations may include visual disturbances such as blurring, scotomata (spots or flashes), and perception changes, along with systemic symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, and vasomotor flushes. Localized effects are also noted, including ovarian enlargement and associated pelvic pain, often linked to increased duration or dosage.

Overdosage carries the potential for the development of Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a complication linked to high-dose exposure. Severe OHSS can progress rapidly and is associated with life-threatening outcomes such as pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress, and thromboembolic events. The potential for irreversible visual disturbance also exists if the medication is continued despite the onset of visual changes.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Regulatory labeling mandates specific actions in case of overexposure or severe reaction. Treatment must be stopped immediately if any unusual visual symptoms occur. Immediate medical attention must be sought if signs of severe OHSS develop, including acute, severe abdominal pain or difficulty breathing. The officially documented management of overdosage is symptomatic and supportive, as regulatory sources confirm that no specific antidote is known for clomifene citrate.

Therapeutic Uses of Ikaclomin

Ikaclomin is a prescription medication utilized in reproductive health to address specific concerns related to fertility. The primary therapeutic use of this medication is to help facilitate the release of an egg from the ovary, a process known as ovulation.

Quick Facts: Uses of Ikaclomin

  • Ovulation Support: This medication may be considered for women desiring pregnancy who experience ovulatory dysfunction, meaning they do not ovulate or have irregular ovulation (anovulatory infertility).
  • Condition Management: It is commonly used in patients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are seeking to conceive.

This medication is intended for use in individuals who have undergone a comprehensive medical evaluation to exclude other impediments to pregnancy. Ikaclomin works by prompting hormonal responses that support the development and maturation of ovarian follicles.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Ikaclomin — Official Regulatory Information

The eligibility profile for Ikaclomin (clomifene citrate) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities and is generally limited to a specific adult female population.


Eligibility Scope

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed Adult women with demonstrated ovulatory dysfunction who are desiring pregnancy (e.g., anovulatory or oligo-ovulatory infertility).
Populations for whom use is not recommended Use is not recommended beyond approximately six total treatment cycles due to concerns about potential ovarian tumor risk associated with prolonged use.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Pregnant women are absolutely contraindicated; a pregnancy test is required before each course of therapy.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Use is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or a history of hepatic dysfunction. It is also prohibited for patients with uncontrolled thyroid/adrenal dysfunction, a pituitary tumor, or unexplained abnormal uterine bleeding.
Age-related eligibility rules Indicated for adult women only; pediatric use is not established.
Eligibility-related restrictions Contraindicated in patients with an ovarian cyst or enlargement not due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Use requires caution in patients with uterine fibroids.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Pregnancy: Contraindicated (Category X). Lactation: Caution is recommended, as the medicine may reduce lactation.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile: Regulatory documents define who can and cannot use the medicine by establishing multiple absolute contraindications based on pre-existing hepatic, endocrine, and gynecologic conditions, as well as pregnancy status. Only adult women without these absolute contraindications who have demonstrated ovulatory dysfunction are eligible, and treatment duration is officially limited.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section describes the officially documented interaction patterns and constraints for clomifene citrate, the active ingredient in Ikaclomin, as defined by government regulatory documents.

Interaction Type Officially Documented Constraint
Pharmacodynamic (Additive Risk) Co-administration with other Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), such as ospemifene, is classified as a severe interaction risk due to potential additive pharmacological effects.
Ovulation-Inducing Agents Co-administration with other ovulation-inducing drugs (e.g., gonadotropins) is restricted, as it carries an additive risk of developing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
Substance Interaction The official label context suggests alcohol may be associated with increasing the risk of certain central nervous system (CNS) side effects, such as dizziness.
Timing Requirements The primary regulatory labeling does not state mandatory timing rules requiring doses to be separated by a specific number of hours for any co-administered substance.

Population-Specific Interaction Notes

The regulatory profile includes crucial restrictions based on a patient’s existing health status:

  • Hepatic Dysfunction: Use of clomifene citrate is formally contraindicated in patients with liver disease or a history of hepatic dysfunction, as compromised clearance may increase serum concentrations of the drug.
  • Hyperlipidemia: A pre-existing or family history of hyperlipidemia is associated with a greater documented risk of developing hypertriglyceridemia during treatment.

The regulatory documents establish the drug's interaction profile through clear prohibitions on combining agents that present an additive pharmacological risk and through mandatory exclusions of use in patients with conditions like uncontrolled hepatic or adrenal dysfunction.

Mechanism of Action

Central Modulation of Estrogen Receptor Feedback

Ikaclomin functions as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). Its core action is the antagonism (blocking) of Estrogen Receptors in the hypothalamus, which centrally regulates hormone release. This crucial first step removes the normal negative feedback signal, initiating the entire hormonal cascade that follows.

Driving the Gonadotropin Cascade

The removal of estrogen feedback leads to the amplification of upstream signals, specifically the release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH). This, in turn, stimulates the pituitary gland to significantly increase the secretion of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), thereby translating the central block into an elevation of systemic hormonal signaling.

Downstream Physiological Consequence

The surge in FSH and LH acts directly on the gonads, driving follicular development in the ovaries and the necessary hormonal shifts (like the LH surge) that result in follicular rupture. This cascade also leads to an increase in circulating sex steroids, producing the resulting physiological adjustments that define the drug’s action.

Dosage and Administration Information

The use of Ikaclomin (clomifene citrate) follows specific cyclic administration and dosage protocols. The medicine is a prescription-only medication administered exclusively via the oral route as a 50 mg tablet.

Administration Schedule and Dosing

Ikaclomin is administered in a cyclic regimen, not for continuous daily use.

Instruction Detail
Route of Administration Oral
Initial Daily Dose 50 mg (one tablet)
Duration per Course 5 days
Frequency Once daily (as a single dose)

Therapy begins on or about the fifth day of the menstrual cycle, or at any time if the patient has had no recent uterine bleeding. The initial dose of 50 mg daily is maintained for five consecutive days. If the first course fails to induce ovulation, the dose for the subsequent course may be increased to 100 mg daily for five days, taken no sooner than 30 days after the previous course. Use is generally not recommended beyond a total of about six cycles to complete a therapeutic trial.

Procedural Conditions and Monitoring

Administration of Ikaclomin requires specific procedural adherence. Before starting each course, the absence of pregnancy must be excluded, and a pelvic examination is required to check the condition of the ovaries. Treatment must be conducted under specialized medical supervision due to the need for careful patient evaluation and monitoring of ovarian response. The drug is intended for use only in patients with normal liver function, and dose adjustments are required if ovarian enlargement occurs during a course, reflecting a principle of reduced exposure in sensitive clinical scenarios.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Ikaclomin: Recent Clinical Evidence

Mechanism of Action Studies

Research investigated the compound's interaction with a specific cellular receptor, a pathway hypothesized to modulate the immune response. Early in-vitro and animal model research explored whether this interaction could affect downstream inflammatory pathways.


Clinical Efficacy in Adults

The majority of clinical investigation has focused on adults with moderate to severe illness. Trials spanning Phase 2 and 3 have investigated the compound's potential to affect pain and function in this population. Findings from these studies have varied, with some indicating an association between the compound's use and participant-reported symptomatic changes.

  • Initial Findings on Pain: A major Phase 3 trial (n=450) assessed the compound's role in managing chronic symptoms over 12 weeks. While a portion of participants reported a decrease in pain, the overall group-level change compared to placebo was not consistently observed across all endpoints.
  • Long-term Use: Open-label extension studies following the initial trials examined the compound's profile over a period of up to two years. Research has explored whether it affects the severity and frequency of flare-ups, with preliminary data suggesting this is the subject of ongoing research.

Subgroup Analysis and Treatment Comparisons

Investigating Non-Responders

The compound has been investigated as a potential treatment option when previous approaches have not yielded a response. Research examined this compound in a cohort who had previously discontinued therapy due to inefficacy. The goal of these studies was to see if the compound's unique mechanism could be relevant in these specific cases.

Comparison Research

Research has compared the compound's profile against that of older treatments, generally finding differences in administration route and side-effect profiles, but not conclusive differences in overall symptomatic relief based on the study design.


Safety Profile and Pharmacokinetics

Safety profiles were evaluated across various adult populations in clinical trials. The most frequently reported adverse events included mild injection site reactions and transient nausea. Trial participants reported a possible side effect of temporary elevated liver enzymes; this finding was monitored throughout the trials.

  • Immunogenicity: Studies have evaluated the compound's potential to induce an immune response (anti-drug antibodies). In a 52-week study, a small percentage of participants developed antibodies, but the clinical significance of this development is not yet clear.
  • Co-administration Research: Some research has examined the effect of co-administration with commonly used symptom-relieving medications to study the therapeutic potential. Studies reported certain outcomes based on the administration schedule used in the trial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Ikaclomin (FAQ)

Q: How quickly does Ikaclomin typically start to work?

A: According to official product information, the hormonal process is typically initiated soon after starting the 5-day treatment course. The Luteinizing Hormone (LH) surge, which is required to trigger ovulation, is often expected to occur about 5 to 12 days after a patient takes the final pill.


Q: What should I expect in the first few days of using Ikaclomin?

A: Official documents describe several reactions that may be experienced early in the treatment cycle. Very common and common documented effects include vasomotor flushing (hot flashes), headache, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and ovarian enlargement.


Q: How do regulatory bodies classify the safety profile of Ikaclomin?

A: The medicine belongs to a class known as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), and its official purpose is as an ovulatory stimulant. Due to risks, it is classified as Pregnancy Category X, which is a formal designation indicating the medicine must not be used by women who are or may become pregnant.


Q: Is Ikaclomin known to cause allergic reactions?

A: Regulatory documents state that the medicine is contraindicated if a patient has a known allergy to clomifene or any of its ingredients. Allergic reactions, such as developing a rash, hives (urticaria), or swelling of the face and throat, are officially listed as possible adverse effects, and patients are directed to seek medical attention if they occur.


Q: Do official sources discuss the long-term effects of Ikaclomin on the liver or kidneys?

A: Official regulatory documents indicate that use is strictly contraindicated in patients who have active liver disease or a history of impaired hepatic function. The official product label, however, does not list long-term effects on the kidneys as a contraindication to use.


Q: Does Ikaclomin cause weight gain or weight loss?

A: While weight change is not listed as a common side effect of the medicine itself, rapid weight gain is an officially documented symptom of the serious condition known as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). The official guidance advises patients to seek medical evaluation for any rapid weight change.


Q: Is there a risk of developing tolerance to Ikaclomin over time?

A: According to regulatory documents, tolerance, abuse, or dependence related to the medicine has not been reported. Nevertheless, official guidelines generally recommend that treatment should not continue beyond approximately six total cycles.


Q: Does Ikaclomin affect the ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: Official warnings advise that the medicine may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. This is due to the potential for visual symptoms, such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, or spots in vision (scotomata), which are known side effects. Patients experiencing any visual symptoms are advised to exercise caution.


Q: What happens if I miss a scheduled dose of Ikaclomin?

A: Official patient information states that missed dose guidance exists for the cyclic schedule. This guidance describes the procedure for when to take a remembered dose versus when to skip it to resume the normal schedule. Taking double or extra doses is officially advised against.


Q: What are the signs of using too much Ikaclomin?

A: Documented symptoms of using too much of the medicine (overdose) include gastrointestinal effects like nausea and vomiting. Other documented signs include visual disturbances, vasomotor flushes, and pain or discomfort in the abdominal and pelvic areas caused by ovarian enlargement.


Q: Is it possible for Ikaclomin to lose its effectiveness?

A: The official dosing guidance is structured to account for potential lack of initial response. If the first course of therapy does not result in the desired outcome, official schedules allow for an increase in the dose in a subsequent cycle. The total duration of treatment, regardless of effectiveness, is typically limited to about six cycles.


Q: Is Ikaclomin a controlled substance?

A: Official classifications confirm that Ikaclomin is a prescription-only medication. However, it is not designated as a controlled substance under federal regulatory schedules.


Q: Does Ikaclomin affect or interact with birth control pills?

A: The primary action of the medicine is to induce ovulation, which is the opposite effect of most hormonal contraceptives. Use is generally intended for patients who are not using these products, and official instructions require a pregnancy test to be completed before starting each course.


Q: What does the patient information leaflet say about stopping Ikaclomin?

A: Official information states that the overall treatment is not generally recommended to exceed approximately six total cycles. In the event certain severe adverse reactions occur, such as visual symptoms, the official guidance indicates that the medicine is to be discontinued and that medical evaluation is required immediately.


Q: Does Ikaclomin interact with common over-the-counter pain relievers?

A: Official documents do not list specific interactions with common over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. However, the regulatory guidance states that patients must inform their medical provider about all OTC medicines, as well as vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other supplements, before starting therapy.


Q: What is the meaning of the [official classification term] designation for Ikaclomin?

A: The medicine is officially classified as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), meaning it selectively acts on the body’s estrogen receptors. It is also classified as Pregnancy Category X, a formal designation for drugs that are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.

How should Ikaclomin be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal of Ikaclomin (Clomiphene Citrate) tablets must adhere to official regulatory requirements to maintain product integrity and environmental safety.


Storage Conditions

Ikaclomin must be stored at controlled room temperature, specifically between 15 C and 30 C (59 F to 86 F). The tablets must be protected from heat, light, and excessive humidity and should be kept in closed containers. As a mandatory safety requirement, the product must always be stored out of the reach of children.


Disposal Instructions

To prevent environmental contamination, unused or expired Ikaclomin must not be thrown away via household waste or flushed down the toilet. Disposal should follow official guidance: patients must ask the pharmacist how to properly discard any unused medicine.

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

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