This invention provides methods for the use of substituted indole compounds of the general formula: ##STR00001## and pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof. The invention provides methods for the use of the compounds as inhibitors of the activity of various phospholipase enzymes, particularly phospholipase A.sub.2 enzymes, and for the medical treatment, prevention and inhibition diseases and disorders including asthma, stroke, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, arthritic disorders, rheumatic disorders, central nervous system damage resulting from stroke, central nervous system damage resulting from ischemia, central nervous system damage resulting from trauma, inflammation caused or potentiated by prostaglandins, inflammation caused or potentiated by leukotrienes, inflammation caused or potentiated by platelet activation factor, pain caused or potentiated by prostaglandins, pain caused or potentiated by leukotrienes, and pain caused or potentiated by platelet activation factor.