Prophylaxis of iodinated contrast media-induced nephropathy: a pharmacological point of view

Iodinated contrast media are a frequent cause of acute renal failure, especially in patients whose renal function is already impaired. In addition to hydration, which remains the most commonly acknowledged means of protection, numerous pharmacological approaches for the prophylaxis of contrast nephropathy have been tested so far. They include diuretics, calcium channel blockers, adenosine receptor antagonists, N-acetylcysteine, low-dose dopamine and the dopamine D1 receptor agonist fenoldopam, endothelin receptor antagonists, and even captopril. The present review of the literature critically discusses the drugs used to prevent contrast nephropathy from a pharmacological point of view.