Serophene (clomiphene citrate) is a first-line oral fertility medication specifically designed to stimulate ovulation in women experiencing anovulatory disorders. As a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), it works by blocking estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, prompting increased secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This cascade stimulates the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), ultimately promoting follicular development and maturation. With decades of clinical use and extensive research supporting its efficacy, Serophene remains a cornerstone treatment in reproductive endocrinology for patients with functional hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axes.

Features

• Contains 50 mg clomiphene citrate per tablet
• Oral administration with high bioavailability
• Standardized dosing protocol with 5-day treatment cycles
• White, round, scored tablets for easy splitting
• Typically packaged in bottles of 30 tablets
• Requires prescription and medical supervision
• Compatible with most ovulation monitoring methods
• Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical GMP standards

Benefits

• Effectively induces ovulation in approximately 80% of appropriately selected patients
• Non-invasive oral administration compared to injectable alternatives
• Enables timed intercourse and fertility awareness planning
• Cost-effective first-line treatment option
• Well-established safety profile with extensive clinical data
• Facilitates follicular development monitoring via ultrasound and hormonal assays

Common use

Serophene is primarily indicated for the treatment of ovulatory dysfunction in women desiring pregnancy. The most common applications include management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related anovulation, unexplained infertility with ovulatory factors, and luteal phase defects. Specialists may also prescribe it for ovarian stimulation in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols preceding intrauterine insemination (IUI). The medication is particularly effective in patients with demonstrated endogenous estrogen production and functional pituitary-ovarian feedback mechanisms.

Dosage and direction

The initial recommended dosage is 50 mg (one tablet) daily for five days, typically starting on day 3, 4, or 5 of the menstrual cycle following spontaneous or progestin-induced withdrawal bleeding. Treatment should begin with the lowest effective dose, with dosage adjustments made based on patient response. If ovulation does not occur at the initial dose, the dosage may be increased to 100 mg daily for five days in subsequent cycles. The maximum recommended daily dose is 150 mg. Patients should be monitored through basal body temperature charts, urinary LH detection kits, mid-luteal phase progesterone levels, and follicular ultrasound when appropriate.

Precautions

Patients should undergo thorough gynecological and endocrine evaluation before initiation, including assessment of thyroid function, prolactin levels, and partner fertility status. Regular monitoring is essential to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancies. Visual disturbances, though rare, require immediate discontinuation and ophthalmological evaluation. Liver function tests are recommended in patients with hepatic impairment. Long-term use (beyond six cycles) may be associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer and should be carefully considered against benefits.

Contraindications

Serophene is contraindicated in patients with liver disease or history of hepatic dysfunction, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, organic intracranial lesions such as pituitary tumors, ovarian cysts not related to polycystic ovarian syndrome, abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin, and known hypersensitivity to clomiphene citrate or any component of the formulation. It is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects.

Possible side effects

Common adverse reactions include vasomotor flushes (10%), abdominal discomfort (7%), ovarian enlargement (5%), breast tenderness (2%), and visual disturbances (1.5%). Less frequently reported effects include nausea, vomiting, nervousness, insomnia, headache, and dizziness. Rare but serious complications include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which may present with rapid weight gain, abdominal pain, nausea, and decreased urine output. Patients should report any unusual symptoms immediately to their healthcare provider.

Drug interaction

Concomitant use with gonadotropins may increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation. Estrogen-containing medications may antagonize Serophene’s effects. Drugs that affect hepatic enzymes (CYP2D6 inhibitors/inducers) may alter clomiphene metabolism. Danazol may inhibit ovulation and reduce efficacy. Herbal supplements with estrogenic properties (soy, red clover) may interfere with mechanism of action. Always inform healthcare providers of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, patients should take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Doubling doses to make up for missed tablets is not recommended. Consistent timing is important for maintaining stable drug levels, though the 5-day course provides some flexibility. Patients should contact their healthcare provider for specific guidance based on their treatment day and cycle timing.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, vasomotor flushes, visual disturbances, ovarian enlargement, and abdominal pain. There is no specific antidote for clomiphene citrate overdose. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion occurred recently. Patients should be monitored for signs of ovarian hyperstimulation and provided with appropriate medical management.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) in the original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use if the seal is broken or tablets show signs of deterioration. Properly discard any unused medication after the treatment cycle or expiration date.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Treatment with Serophene should only be undertaken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider specializing in reproductive medicine. Individual results may vary, and not all patients will respond to therapy. The prescribing physician should evaluate the risk-benefit ratio for each patient based on their specific medical history and diagnostic findings.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate ovulation rates of 60-85% in appropriately selected patients, with conception rates of approximately 30-40% per ovulatory cycle. Many reproductive endocrinologists consider Serophene the gold standard first-line treatment for anovulatory infertility. Patients report appreciation for the oral administration and relatively low cost compared to other fertility treatments. However, specialists emphasize the importance of proper patient selection and monitoring to maximize success rates while minimizing risks.