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Clomifene, also known as clomiphene, is a medication used to treat infertility in women who do not ovulate.^[3] This includes those who have polycystic ovary syndrome.^[3] Use results in a greater chance of twins.^[3] It is taken by mouth once a day with a course of treatment generally lasting five days.^[3]

Common side effects include pelvic pain and hot flashes.^[3] Other side effects can include changes in vision, vomiting, trouble sleeping, ovarian cancer, and seizures.^[3][4] It is not recommended in people with liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, or who are pregnant.^[4][5] Clomifene is in the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) family of medication and is a nonsteroidal medication.^[6][5] It works by causing the release of GnRH by the hypothalamus, and subsequently gonadotropin from the anterior pituitary.^[4]

Clomifene was approved for medical use in the United States in 1967.^[3] It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system.^[7] It is available as a generic medication.^[3] The wholesale cost in the developing world is about 0.79 to 2.00 USD for a course of treatment.^[8] In the United States the wholesale cost of a course of treatment is 4.80 USD.^[9] Its introduction began the era of assisted reproductive technology