Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori in the early 1980s, its role as a major pathogenic factor in peptic ulcer disease has been well established. Therapeutic regimens aiming to eradicate the bacterium have been shown to be highly effective and are strongly recommended in the treatment of patients with peptic ulcer disease.1 With classic bismuth salt based triple therapy, combining bismuth with two antibiotics, poor compliance is often observed resulting from a high incidence of side-effects. 2 In search for therapeutic approaches leading to fewer side-effects and compliance problems, regimens combining antibiotics with proton pump inhibitors have been under investigation. The latter are not only used to relieve symptoms but also to provide an optimal environment for the action of the antibiotics. 3As reported by several authors, a short-term therapy with omeprazole in combination with clarithromycin and either amoxycillin or metronidazole can achieve eradication rates of above 90%. 4±6 These regimens were