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Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
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Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: September 24, 2021

[Digitalis and theophylline: old and superfluous?]

M Gosch1, P Dovjak

  • 1Abteilung für Innere Medizin und Akutgeriatrie, Landeskrankenhaus Hochzirl, Zirl, Österreich.

Zeitschrift Fur Gerontologie Und Geriatrie
|June 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Digitalis and theophylline, old cardiopulmonary drugs, have inconsistent evidence, especially in geriatric medicine. Their use in heart failure and COPD is debated due to potential risks in the elderly.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Cardiopulmonary Diseases

Context:

  • Digitalis and theophylline are established treatments for cardiopulmonary conditions.
  • Evidence supporting their efficacy is inconsistent and sometimes contradictory.
  • Geriatric medicine presents a unique challenge due to potential risks in older adults.

Purpose:

  • To critically evaluate the current evidence for digitalis and theophylline in treating cardiopulmonary diseases.
  • To explore the specific challenges and controversies surrounding their use in geriatric patients.
  • To provide a literature-based discussion on the risks versus benefits in elderly populations.

Summary:

  • This review examines the historical and current evidence for digitalis and theophylline in cardiopulmonary disease management.
  • It highlights the conflicting data regarding their efficacy, particularly in treating advanced heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms.
  • The paper specifically addresses the concerns of potentially inappropriate medication use in the elderly.

Impact:

  • This discussion aims to inform clinical decision-making regarding the use of these traditional medications in older adults.
  • It emphasizes the need for careful consideration of evidence and patient-specific factors in geriatric pharmacotherapy.
  • The findings contribute to the ongoing debate on optimizing treatment strategies for cardiopulmonary diseases in the elderly.

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