[Digitalis and theophylline: old and superfluous?].

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.