The effects of rebamipide on the restoration process of gastric epithelial wounds were assessed using an in vitro wound-healing model and hydrogen peroxide treatment. Rebamipide (10 or 100 microM) was added to a complete monolayer cell sheet after artificial wounding. The restoration process was analyzed sequentially by a time-lapse video system, and cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed. Hydrogen peroxide (1 or 3 mM) inhibited restoration after wounding by suppressing cell migration and proliferation. It also induced epithelial cell apoptosis around the wound. The addition of rebamipide abolished the H2O2-induced retardation and prevented apoptosis. Rebamipide might act as a radical scavenger and have favorable effects on peptic ulcer diseases.