Which medication class can cause cold extremities as a side effect?

Beta-blockers can cause cold extremities as a side effect due to their mechanism of action, which involves blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors in the body. These receptors are primarily located in the heart and blood vessels, and when stimulated, they promote vasodilation and an increased heart rate. By blocking these receptors, beta-blockers decrease heart rate and contractility, leading to reduced cardiac output.

Additionally, beta-blockers can cause peripheral vasoconstriction by blocking beta-2 receptors on the blood vessels, which can lead to less blood flow to the extremities. This reduced blood flow can result in feelings of cold in the hands and feet, making cold extremities a notable side effect of this medication class.

In contrast, vasodilators primarily work by dilating blood vessels, which generally increases blood flow to extremities rather than causing coldness. ACE inhibitors and diuretics also have different mechanisms and side effects that do not typically include the symptom of cold extremities.