4-(Methylsulphonyl)phenyl compounds

Rofecoxib is a COX-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It was marketed by Merck & Co. to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain conditions, migraine, and dysmenorrhea. Rofecoxib was approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 1999, and was marketed under the brand names Vioxx, Ceoxx, and Ceeoxx. Rofecoxib was available by prescription in both tablets and as an oral suspension.

Etoricoxib, sold under brand names including Arcoxia, Exinef and Nucoxia is a selective COX-2 inhibitor developed and commercialized by Merck. It is approved in 63 countries worldwide as of 2007, except the United States where the Food and Drug Administration sent a Non Approvable Letter to Merck and required them to provide additional data.

Thiamphenicol (also known as thiophenicol and dextrosulphenidol) is an antibiotic. It is the methyl-sulfonyl analogue of chloramphenicol and has a similar spectrum of activity, but is 2.5 to 5 times as potent. Like chloramphenicol, it is insoluble in water, but highly soluble in lipids. It is used in many countries as a veterinary antibiotic, but is available in China, Taiwan, Brazil, Morocco, and Italy for use in humans. Its main advantage over chloramphenicol is that it has never been associated with aplastic anaemia.

Florfenicol is a fluorinated synthetic analog of thiamphenicol, mainly used as a antibiotic in veterinary medicine.

Zolimidine (zoliridine, brand name Solimidin) is a gastroprotective drug previously used for peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Odanacatib (INN; codenamed MK-0822) is an investigational treatment for osteoporosis and bone metastasis. It is an inhibitor of cathepsin K, an enzyme involved in bone resorption.

Firocoxib, sold under the brand names Equioxx and Previcox among others, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug of the COX-2 inhibitor (coxib) class, approved for use in horses (Equioxx) and for use in dogs (Previcox). Firocoxib was the first COX-2 inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for horses. Firocoxib is not intended or approved for use in human medicine.