Clomiphene is a fertility drug used to make sure you ovulate each cycle.
How much and when?
Clomiphene is used daily between days 2 and 6 of the menstrual cycle (day one is the first day of your period). The lowest dose used is 50mg and up to 250mg may be used if you don't respond to lower doses. Obviously if you miss a period you don't take the next month's tablets and you should do a pregnancy test. 6 months of treatment is the usual maximum.
How does it work?
Clomiphene works by 'kick-starting' the hormone system into stimulating an egg to grow. Normally the egg is released around mid-cycle (day 14), the time when you are most likely to conceive. It is probably best to make love every other day from about day 11-15 of your cycle, but this regime is not rigid and to be relaxed about it is definitely important. Regular sex throughout the month ensures the best chances for getting pregnant no matter when you ovulate.
Are there any side effects?
Yes, and its important that you know about these. You may experience some breast tenderness, mild abdominal discomfort or hot flushes. As long as these are not disturbing your daily routine, it is fine to continue taking the tablets. If you experience very bad nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, pain or problems with your sight (yellow vision), then you should see stop taking the tablets and see a doctor. These kind of side effects are extremely rare.
A further side effect of the treatment is the possibility of twins (or rarely even more). This occurs in probably about 5% of pregnancies (1 in 20 women conceiving on clomiphene). At present it is only recommended that you use clomiphene for six to twelve months.
How do I know if its working?
The usual way is to have a couple of scans several days after you finish the 5th day of treatment. You can check for ovulation by measuring your body temperature every morning or evening, and looking for the rise when you ovulate. Also, your periods should be regular.
Some prescribing information on clomiphene from NZ Medsafe.