Which class of drugs is associated with peripheral edema as a side effect?

Peripheral edema is a notable side effect commonly associated with dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. This class of medications works primarily by blocking calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure. However, this vasodilation can also result in increased hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues, which manifests as peripheral edema, particularly in the lower extremities.

In contrast, ACE inhibitors can lead to other side effects like cough or elevated potassium levels but are not typically associated with edema. Beta-blockers primarily affect heart rate and contractility, which could inadvertently contribute to fluid retention in some scenarios, but peripheral edema is not a direct characteristic. Thiazide diuretics tend to cause fluid loss rather than retention, helping to reduce the risk of edema. Therefore, the unique mechanism of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers clarifies why they are specifically linked to this side effect, highlighting the importance of understanding the pharmacological profiles of different antihypertensive agents.