[Treatment of acute peptic ulcer. Present concept].

Cimetidine, a powerful inhibitor of acid secretion has produced profound changes in the treatment of acute peptic ulcer. The authors propose a therapeutic attitude takeing into consideration modern knowledge concerning the ulcer patient and his ulcer. After a simplified diagram of the inhibitory mechanisms of acid secretion illustrating the role of the histamine receptors, the various pathogenic routes of treatment are considered with their indications (cimetidine, sulpiride, vagolytics, carbenoxolone). The association of an antacid is useful, except for cimetidine. A choice is necessary in all cases which takes into consideration the patient's interests and the cost of treatment and permits one to avoid pleonasms and illogical treatment. Finally, classical treatment and even milk diet may remain of interest depending on the context of the case.