[Value of antacids in ulcer therapy. Continuing the tradition or scientific progress?]

For many centuries antacids have been the mainstay of treatment of peptic disorders. After the introduction of histamine H2-receptor antagonists, many clinicians anticipated the end of the antacid era. The opposite happened. Antacids have undergone a "renaissance". Controlled clinical trials have verified their therapeutic efficacy. New antacids with greater acid-binding capacity have been introduced. They have also been used for other indications, such as the prevention of bleeding or reflux esophagitis. More has also been learned about their mode of action and their side effects. The increase of our knowledge about antacids has led to their safer use in gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of the present review was to summarize what we know about antacids today, and to establish what place they have in the therapy, and, last but not least, to find out whether antacids belong to our drug arsenal in the future, as well.