ENCLOMIPHENE TABLETS

About ENCLOMIPHENE TABLETS

Enclomiphene is a medication that has been investigated and used primarily for the treatment of secondary hypogonadism in men. It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which means it acts by selectively targeting and modifying the effects of estrogen in certain tissues.

Key Description

• Active Ingredient: Enclomiphene citrate.

• Pharmaceutical Class: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM).

• Relationship to Clomiphene: Enclomiphene is the trans-isomer of clomiphene citrate. The clomiphene tablet, which is FDA-approved for female infertility, is a mixture of two isomers: enclomiphene and zuclomiphene. Enclomiphene is the more potent antiestrogenic component.

• Formulation: Typically available as an oral tablet. Strengths such as 12.5 mg or 25 mg are common.

• Mechanism of Action: Enclomiphene works by blocking estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This action disrupts the normal negative feedback loop where estrogen signals the brain to reduce hormone production. As a result, the body increases its natural production of:

  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): From the hypothalamus.

  • Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): From the pituitary gland.

  • Testosterone: The increased LH and FSH then stimulate the testes to produce more testosterone and maintain sperm production.

Therapeutic Function and Usage

The main purpose of enclomiphene tablets is to restore and increase natural testosterone production in men with secondary hypogonadism, which is a condition where low testosterone is caused by a problem with the brain's signaling to the testes.

A significant advantage of enclomiphene over traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is that it raises testosterone levels while preserving or even improving sperm production. TRT, which uses an external source of testosterone, can suppress the body's natural hormone production, leading to a decrease in sperm count and fertility. This makes enclomiphene a preferred option for men who want to address low testosterone symptoms while maintaining their fertility.

Regulatory Status

• Enclomiphene itself is not currently FDA-approved as a standalone treatment in the United States.

• It is, however, the active component responsible for the testosterone-boosting effects of clomiphene, which is used off-label for male hypogonadism.

• Enclomiphene tablets are sometimes prescribed off-label by physicians and can be compounded by specialty pharmacies.

Potential Side Effects

While generally considered to have a better side effect profile than clomiphene, common side effects can include:

• Headache

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Hot flashes

• Mood changes or irritability (less common than with clomiphene)

• Blurred vision (rare, but can be serious)

Note: As with any medication, it is critical to use enclomiphene only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional who can properly diagnose the condition, determine the appropriate dosage, and monitor for efficacy and potential side effects.