Clomifene Citrate
Synthetic ovulation stimulant. It inhibits hypothalamic estrogen receptors, which in turn stimulates the release of FSH, estradiol and LH. It has initially anti-estrogenic and then estrogenic effects.
Indicated to induce ovulation in infertility treatment and polycystic ovary syndrome (Hossein 2016, AEMPS 2016, Sanofi 2012, López 2004, Sheehan 2004, Kousta 1997).
Increased risk of multiple pregnancy.
Administered orally, a daily dose for 5 days, maximum 3 menstrual cycles.
Since the last update, we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk.
Its high volume of distribution makes the transfer to milk in significant quantities unlikely, but its long half-life could facilitate it.
Adverse effects are infrequent and temporary at usual doses; they occur in high doses and for prolonged periods such as those used in research studies (AEMPS 2016, Sanofi 2012).
Studies on the effects on prolactin and milk production are scarce, out of date and contradictory, for while for some authors clomiphene decreases prolactin plasma levels, inhibiting breastfeeding when administered during the first week postpartum (Weinstein 1976, Kalir 1975), for others it has no effect on prolactin nor does it inhibit breastfeeding (Canales 1977).
In any case, when breastfeeding is well established, prolactin levels do not correlate with milk production. This would be the case in an infertility treatment.
It is not advisable to take it during the first weeks of the postpartum period due to the risk of decreased milk production.
In infertility treatment, the possible anovulatory effect of frequent on demand breastfeeding should be taken into account.
See below the information of these related products:
- Follitropin (Low Risk probable)
- In Vitro Fertilization (Low Risk probable)
- Lutropin (Low Risk probable)
Alternatives
- Follitropin (Low Risk probable)
Very Low Risk
Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.
Low Risk
Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.
High Risk
Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.
Very High Risk
Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.
Synonyms
- Chloramiphene Citrate
- Clomiphene
Writings
- Кломифена Цитрат (Cyrillic)
- クロミフェンクエン酸塩 (Japanese)
- Citrate de Clomifène (French)
- C26H28ClNO,C6H8O7 (Molecular formula)
- A mixture of the E and Z isomers of 2-[4-(2-chloro-1,2-diphenylethenyl)phenoxy]-N,N-diethylethanamine dihydrogen citrate (Chemical name)
- G03GB02 (ATC Code/s)
Drug trade names
References
- Hossein-Rashidi B, Khandzad B, Shahrokh-Tehraninejad E, Bagheri M, Gorginzadeh M. Recombinant FSH Compared to Clomiphene Citrate as the First-Line in Ovulation Induction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Using Newly Designed Pens: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Family Reprod Health. 2016Abstract
- AEMPS. Clomifeno. Ficha técnica. 2016 Full text (in our servers)
- Sanofi. Clomiphene. Drug Summary. 2012 Full text (in our servers)
- López E, Gunby J, Daya S, Parrilla JJ, Abad L, Balasch J. Ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: randomized trial of clomiphene citrate versus low-dose recombinant FSH as first line therapy. Reprod Biomed Online. 2004Abstract
- Sheehan MT. Polycystic ovarian syndrome: diagnosis and management. Clin Med Res. 2004Abstract
- WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Kousta E, White DM, Franks S. Modern use of clomiphene citrate in induction of ovulation. Hum Reprod Update. 1997Abstract
- Canales ES, Lasso P, Soria J, Zárate A. Effect of clomiphene on prolactin secretion and lactation in puerperal women. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1977Abstract
- Weinstein D, Ben-David M, Polishuk WZ. Serum prolactin and the suppression of lactation. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1976Abstract
- Kalir R, David MP, Kraicer PF. Clomiphene citrate in suppression of puerperal lactation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1975Abstract