The anti-inflammatory effects of phenolic dental medicaments were evaluated by mouse ear edema assay. p-Chlorophenol (PCP) inhibited edema when applied topically in dosages of 0.2 and 0.5 mg per site at 15 min before or 1.0 and 2.0 mg per site at 60 min after the application of croton oil. The inhibitory effects were also noted with eugenol, guaiacol, o-cresol, phenol and orally administered indomethacin (10 mg/kg). The involvement of the effects on prostaglandin biosynthesis in the anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds is discussed.