Objective To lessen the occurrence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN),the preventive measures of CIN were reviewed.Data sources The data used in this review were from PubMed with relevant English articles and from Chinese Knowledge Information (CNKI) published from 1989 to 2009.The search terms were “contrast medium”,“contrast-induced nephropathy” and “prevention”.Articles involved in prevention of CIN were selected.Study selection CIN is the third most common cause of acute kidney injury and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis.The best treatment is prophylaxis because CIN can not be reversed or ameliorated.Results Thirty articles were included.Among various preventive measures,pericatheterization hydration is almost universally accepted as an appropriate and safe measure to prevent CIN,although there is no agreement as to composition,amount,and timing of hydration.Based on the use of concomitant nephrotoxic agents or high doses of contrast medium (CM) is one of risk factors for CIN,discontinuation of potentially nephrotoxic drugs 2-3 days before and after the procedure until renal function recover,and using the lowest possible dose of CM can decrease the risk of CIN.It is promising that removing the majority of CM from the coronary sinus,before it enters the systemic circulation,during coronary angiography can reduce the risk for CIN in animal studies and in limited clinical trials.Inconsistent data exist with respect to application of some vasodilators (endothelin antagonists and adenosine antagonists) and antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine and statins) in preventing CIN in high-risk patients,and new vasodilators and antioxidants continue to be tested.Conclusions Pericatheterization hydration,discontinuation of nephrotoxic drugs,and using the lowest possible dose of CM are effective measures to lessen the risk for CIN.Other prophylactic strategies and some drugs are promising,but further confirmation is required.