[Cardiotonic therapy in advanced age]

Cardiotonic drugs are taken by as many as 13.1% of old people living at home. Their effect in old age is markedly influenced by changes of old age, polymorbidity and the administration of other drugs. Therefore as much as 80% of undesirable effects of cardiotonics are recorded in old people. The author deals also with chronic administration of cardiotonics. Factors influencing cardiotonic treatment in old age are discussed.