What happens when you take Cialis and Nexlizet together?

Cialis helps improve blood flow and supports sexual performance. Nexlizet lowers cholesterol levels through its action in the liver. They seem like two completely different medications. One focuses on circulation, while the other targets cholesterol.

Still, what actually happens when these two meet inside your body? That’s a question worth answering carefully.

How does Cialis work and what does it do?

Cialis, or tadalafil, is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It belongs to a group of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, also called PDE5 inhibitors.

These medicines help improve blood flow by relaxing certain muscles and opening up blood vessels.

How does Cialis act in the body?

Inside your body, Cialis blocks an enzyme called PDE5. Normally, this enzyme breaks down a compound called cyclic guanosine monophosphate, or cGMP. When PDE5 is blocked, cGMP stays active for longer. This helps smooth muscles around the blood vessels relax. When those muscles relax, more blood flows into the penis, helping you get and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated.

This same process also helps improve blood circulation in the prostate and bladder, easing urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate.

How fast does Cialis work and how long does it last?

Cialis starts working within about 30 minutes after you take it. Once active, its effects can last up to 36 hours. Because of that long duration, it’s often called “the weekend pill.” However, it doesn’t cause an automatic erection. Sexual stimulation is still needed.

Cialis also plays a role in reducing pulmonary artery pressure in certain cases of pulmonary hypertension, though that use involves a different dosage plan and sometimes a different brand name. Tadalafil has a long half-life of about 17.5 hours, meaning it stays in your system longer than similar drugs like sildenafil (Viagra). That longer presence allows for flexibility in timing and more natural experiences.

How does Nexlizet work?

Nexlizet is a combination of two ingredients: bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. It’s designed for adults who still need help lowering their LDL cholesterol even after taking their maximum tolerated statin dose. These two components work together to target cholesterol from two directions: one reduces production inside the liver, and the other limits absorption from food.

What role does bempedoic acid play?

Bempedoic acid works within the liver. It blocks an enzyme called ATP-citrate lyase, which your body uses to make cholesterol. When this enzyme is blocked, the liver slows cholesterol production. This results in less LDL cholesterol being released into your bloodstream.

One special thing about bempedoic acid is that it only activates in the liver. It doesn’t affect muscles the same way statins sometimes do. That’s why it tends to cause fewer muscle-related side effects than traditional statins.

What does ezetimibe do?

Ezetimibe, the second ingredient in Nexlizet, acts in the small intestine. It targets a protein known as NPC1L1, which helps the body absorb cholesterol from food. By blocking this protein, ezetimibe prevents much of that cholesterol from entering your bloodstream. As a result, your liver draws more cholesterol out of the blood, lowering LDL levels even further.

Together, these two components reduce cholesterol in two complementary ways: bempedoic acid lowers production, and ezetimibe limits absorption. That’s what makes Nexlizet an effective option for people struggling to control cholesterol with statins alone.

Is it safe to take Cialis and Nexlizet at the same time?

Yes, for most people, it is safe to take Cialis (tadalafil) and Nexlizet (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) together. There are no major or direct drug interactions between them. Each medication works differently in the body. Cialis acts on blood vessels and blood flow, while Nexlizet targets cholesterol through the liver and intestines. Their functions don’t overlap or compete.

Tadalafil is broken down in the liver through an enzyme called CYP3A4. Bempedoic acid is also processed in the liver but doesn’t rely on the same pathway. That means the two drugs don’t interfere with each other’s metabolism in any significant way.

However, there’s an important detail to remember. Many people who take Nexlizet are also on statins. Statins can sometimes interact with other drugs and may cause muscle pain or liver strain. Even though Cialis doesn’t directly affect statins, taking several medications at once increases the need for medical monitoring.

What should you think about before combining these medications?

Here are some of the risks you must take note:

Your heart health and circulation

Both Cialis and Nexlizet are often prescribed to people with cardiovascular issues. Cialis can slightly lower blood pressure because it widens blood vessels. For someone with a stable heart condition, this is usually fine. But for people with recent heart attacks, unstable angina, or irregular heart rhythms, that drop in blood pressure can be risky.

Before using both drugs, it’s best to have your heart health checked. Your doctor may recommend an exam or an electrocardiogram to ensure your heart can handle the effects of Cialis safely.

How these medications affect blood pressure

Cialis naturally lowers blood pressure a bit due to its effect on blood vessels. Nexlizet doesn’t lower blood pressure itself, but many people who take it also use medications like beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors that do. Combining Cialis with other blood-pressure-lowering drugs can lead to dizziness, fainting, or fatigue.

If you’re on both, you might want to monitor your blood pressure regularly. Feeling unusually tired or lightheaded could signal that your pressure is dropping too low.

Possible muscle or joint pain

Cialis and bempedoic acid can both cause muscle discomfort, although for different reasons.

Cialis sometimes affects smooth muscles, while bempedoic acid works on enzymes involved in metabolism. If you notice new muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness, it can be hard to tell which medication is responsible. That’s why keeping track of your symptoms is important. Report anything unusual to your doctor early.

Gout and uric acid levels

Bempedoic acid can raise uric acid levels in the blood. That may trigger gout attacks in people who are prone to them. Cialis doesn’t affect uric acid directly, but mild dehydration can make gout symptoms worse. Drinking enough water and watching for joint pain or swelling can help prevent problems.

If you’ve had gout before, your doctor might check your uric acid levels more often while you’re taking Nexlizet.

Your kidney function

Cialis leaves your body partly through the kidneys. Nexlizet can sometimes affect kidney-related markers slightly, especially in people with existing kidney conditions. If you already have kidney concerns, your doctor might adjust your dose or run periodic lab tests to keep an eye on things like creatinine and eGFR. This ensures your kidneys are working properly as you continue treatment.

Taking multiple medications

People who use Nexlizet often take other cholesterol drugs, such as statins. While Cialis doesn’t directly interact with statins, combining several drugs that involve the liver and muscles can increase the strain on those systems.

Fatigue, muscle pain, or dark urine should always be reported right away. Regular blood tests help make sure your liver stays healthy and your medication plan remains safe.

Timing and taking both safely

You don’t have to separate the timing of Cialis and Nexlizet. Food doesn’t affect how well either medicine works, though taking them with meals can reduce stomach discomfort. Some people prefer taking Nexlizet with dinner and Cialis at another time of day, especially if digestion issues occur.

The most important thing is to take them as prescribed and stay consistent.

So, can you mix Cialis and Nexlizet?

• Yes, Cialis and Nexlizet can be taken together if your doctor approves the combination.
• No harmful direct interaction has been identified between tadalafil and bempedoic acid or ezetimibe.
• Both can influence blood pressure, so dizziness or lightheadedness can occur.
• Muscle pain or weakness should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider.
• People with gout or high uric acid should stay hydrated and monitor symptoms closely.
• If you have kidney or liver issues, regular monitoring helps keep your treatment safe.
• Never adjust your doses or stop your medications without your doctor’s approval.
• Always take your prescriptions consistently and report any unusual side effects right away.