A variety of medications can induce cough through different mechanisms.

The most common class of medications causing cough is the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which decrease bradykinin metabolism and are thought to cause 75% of cases of drug-induced cough.

Other medications induce cough by provoking bronchospasm (including beta blockers, NSAIDs, and aspirin-containing products) or by worsening gastroesophageal or laryngopharyngeal reflux (including bisphosphonates, calcium antagonists, and systemic steroids).

Other mechanisms of drug-induced cough are idiopathic and/or can herald the onset of interstitial lung disease or other disorders.