4-(o-Benzylphenoxy)-N-methylbutylamine hydrochloride (bifemelane, CAS 90293-01-9, Celeport) has been reported to exert a protective effect on the brain against ischemic insults. However, the underlying mechanism of this action has not yet been fully elucidated. The effects of bifemelane on the intracellular pH (pHi) and energy metabolism of the ischemic brain were examined in Mongolian gerbils using in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Transient global ischemia was produced by clipping both common carotid arteries for 45 min, and the brain was reperfused by releasing the clips. Bifemelane (10 or 20 mg/kg) or normal saline was administered intraperitoneally 30 min prior to the ischemia. During the ischemia, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (PCr) were markedly reduced in association with an increase in inorganic phosphate (Pi) and decrease in pHi in both the control and bifemelane groups. The extents of energy disturbance and intracellular acidosis in the three groups were identical. After reperfusion, ATP, PCr, Pi and pHi recovered towards the pre-ischemic levels in all the groups. In the bifemelane groups, the recovery of pHi was significantly faster than in the control group. Of the two bifemelane groups, the 20 mg/kg group showed more excellent pHi recovery as compared to the 10 mg/kg group. The energy recovery in the three groups were almost identical, although the 20 mg/kg group showed some tendency towards faster recovery as compared to the control group. The present results suggest that bifemelane may accelerate recovery of the pHi after cerebral ischemia. Such an action may contribute to the cerebral protective effects of this drug against ischemic insults.