A percutaneous absorption type cerebral protective agent containing as an active ingredient, 0.1 to 30 percent by mass of 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one represented by the following formula: or a medically acceptable salt thereof in a base; a use of the compound as an active ingredient for the manufacture of a percutaneous absorption type pharmaceutical composition for protecting brain; and a method of protecting brain comprising administering to a patient the pharmaceutical composition as an active ingredient.