Non-absorbent articles are disclosed. The non-absorbent articles include an effective amount of an aromatic inhibitory compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria. The aromatic inhibitory compounds of the present invention have the general formula: ##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of H, ##STR00002## --OR.sup.5, --R.sup.6C(O)H, --R.sup.6OH, --R.sup.6COOH, --OR.sup.6OH, --OR.sup.6COOH, --C(O)NH.sub.2, ##STR00003## and NH...