The drug cimetidine was launched in 1976, as a successful drug for the treatment of peptic ulcer. For many centuries peptic ulcer has been a major cause of death, at any particular time around 4 million people are affected by peptic ulcer and at least 6000 people die every year due to this disease. Peptic ulcers result from erosion within the walls of three particular areas of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT); the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. This is due to excessive production of gastric acid, consisting of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and the enzyme pepsin, which is necessary for digestion in the gastrointestinal tract; this can also lead to acid reaching the esophagus. Under normal circumstances the linings are protected from the irritation of acidity by forming a barrier of mucus and bicarbonate. However, blockage of the lining causes inflammation of the mucosa and leads to breakdown of the internal tissue. Factors such as increased alcohol consumption, smoking, chewing tobacco, and radiation treatments can increase the risk of developing peptic ulcers. Therefore, after diagnosis, patients are advised to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption and also increase the regular intake of small meals. Peptic ulcer patients experience upper abdominal pain, heartburn, sleep disturbances, hunger, a feeling of emptiness in the stomach, inability to drink too much fluids, chest pain, nausea, and weight loss. But lack of treatment can lead to internal bleeding; observed by patients vomiting blood and therefore can become fatal resulting in death. Therefore the aim of treatment is to reduce acid levels. In the early days the main treatment was to administer alkaline-based drugs to neutralize the acid... middle of paper... Curr Prob Sur; 26, pp. 44–45Dronfield MW et al, (1979) Controlled study of cimetidine maintenance treatment in healed duodenal ulcer: short- and long-term effects, Gut, 20, pp 526 - 530Ganellin CR, (2011) Personal reflections on Sir James Black (1924 - 2010) ad Histamine, History of Inflammation, 60, pp 103 – 110.Haggie SJ, et al., (1976) Treatment of duodenal ulcer with cimetidine, Lancet; 1(4), pp. 983-984. Leonard GS, Tovey GD, Lee RM, (1979) The Pharmaceutical Development and Bioavailability of Cimetidine Capsule and Tablet Formulations, DRUG DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL PHARMACY, 5 (2), pp 217-226. McKay, AJ and McArdle, CS, (1982 ), Cimetidine and perforated peptic ulcer, British Journal of Surgery; 69, pp. 319-320.Molinder HKM (1994) The development of cimetidine: 1964 – 1976, J Clin Gastroenterol, 19 (3), pp 248 – 254.