title: [Digitalis and theophylline: old and superfluous?].
abstract: Digitalis and theophylline are some of the oldest drugs used to treat cardiopulmonary diseases. Despite a long history, the evidence for both drugs is still inconsistent, in parts negative. In this context, geriatric medicine represents a special area of conflict. On the one hand, both drugs may play a role in the treatment of advanced heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, particularly in the treatment of symptoms. On the other hand, both drugs are often listed as potentially inappropriate medications for the elderly. This paper discusses the evidence for both drugs based on the current literature.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Innere Medizin und Akutgeriatrie, Landeskrankenhaus Hochzirl, Zirl, Österreich.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gosch
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dovjak
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000401:mortality*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D015996:Survival Rate; D013806:Theophylline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D004071:Digitalis Glycosides; D013806:Theophylline