Which medication class is known to cause a dry, hacking cough as a side effect?

The medication class associated with a dry, hacking cough as a side effect is ACE inhibitors, which are often referred to as "prills." This side effect occurs due to the way ACE inhibitors function in the body. They work by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which plays a role in the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. In addition to lowering blood pressure and reducing workload on the heart, this mechanism can lead to the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that can promote the secretion of prostaglandins and ultimately increase sensitivity in the respiratory tract. This accumulation is what leads to the persistent cough that is characterized as dry and hacking.

In contrast, other medication classes such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and loop diuretics do not typically produce this specific cough as a common side effect. Beta blockers primarily affect heart rate and cardiac output and can sometimes lead to other respiratory issues, but a cough is not a usual side effect. Calcium channel blockers are more associated with peripheral edema and constipation due to vascular dilation. Loop diuretics are primarily diuretics used for fluid retention and do not commonly elicit a cough as part of their side effect