Which medication is known for causing a persistent dry cough as a side effect?

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure. One of the hallmark side effects associated with ACE inhibitors, including lisinopril, is a persistent dry cough. This cough occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that is not broken down when ACE is inhibited. The increased levels of bradykinin can lead to irritation in the respiratory tract, resulting in a cough.

In contrast, the other medications listed do not have this side effect associated with them. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker which primarily affects heart rate and vascular smooth muscle without causing a dry cough. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that usually does not lead to this type of respiratory side effect. Atenolol, a beta-blocker, also does not have a known association with causing a persistent cough. Hence, the characteristic of causing a dry cough distinctly identifies lisinopril as the correct answer in this context.