Correction of salt and volume depletion is paramount in the prevention of renal damage. Measures which stimulate intense filtration of glomeruli in acute renal failure, such as the use of atrial natriuretic peptide analogues, theophylline, dopamine, or growth factors should be regarded with caution, since they all increase metabolic workload in the outer medulla and hence aggravate medullary hypoxia. Neither frusemide, dopamine nor dopexamine have been shown to be better than aggressive saline loading in preventing acute renal failure in at risk patients. Until new clinical studies emerge, avoidance of nephrotoxic insults where possible, monitoring of circulating concentrations of potentially nephrotoxic drug levels and volume loading coupled with supportive measures is recommended. When volume depletion persists, usual blood pressure cannot be restored and patients remain oliguric, early referral to the intensive care unit is paramount. The mortality rate in patients with acute renal failure is high; therefore, measures which reduce the incidence and progression of renal dysfunction will be of benefit.