Aminophylline: exploring cardiovascular benefits versus medical malcontent.

Although aminophylline/theophylline has been relegated to third- and fourth-line status in the cardiopulmonary armamentarium, its use in specific pathophysiologic states, especially those of cardiac etiology, can be of significant benefit. The consulting clinician should maintain an awareness of its potential as adjunctive therapy in cases of atrioventricular block, cardiac arrest, heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias in particular. It should not yet be shelved as an archaic agent.