Drugs for the prevention and treatment of acute renal failure

SUMMARY Certain preventive measures might decrease the incidence or severity of acute renal failure, including vigorous hydration before the administration of radiocontrast agents, and use of mannitol, loop diuretics, dopamine, and calcium antagonists. However, the pharmacologic agents should be used judiciously, and clinicians should not accept blindly that they are indicated in all clinical situations involving acute renal failure until further studies are available.