 Historical therapies for gastrointestinal distress have included anticholinergics, as well as H-2 receptor antagonists, to help reduce acid secretion. H-2 receptor blockers were effective by blocking the histamine driven acid secretion, but despite its targeted action, acid production continues through alternative pathways. Recently a group of new agents known as proton pump inhibitors have been developed which target the final common pathway of acid secretion. These agents are known to act directly on the HK-ATPase in the gastric parietal cell. Since these agents act directly on the final stimulatory pathway, they provide rapid symptom resolution and reliable healing in gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer disease. 