SUMMARYBackground: It is unknown whether proton pump inhibitors are superior to H 2 -receptor antagonists in Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens. Aim: To perform a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of both antisecretors when co-prescribed with antibiotics. Methods: Randomized clinical trials comparing proton pump inhibitors vs. H 2 -receptor antagonists with the same antibiotics were selected. Data sources included PubMed, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and abstracts from congresses up to January 2002. A meta-analysis was performed by combining the odds ratios. Results: Twenty studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the mean eradication