Contrast-induced nephropathy is a major complication resulting from percutaneous coronary interventional procedures characterized by acute or subacute deterioration of renal function due to exposure to iodinated contrast medium that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Promoting factors for the development of nephropathy have been widely described in literature as well as hydration and pharmacological measures to prevent its development; However, few of them have shown evidence level A so far, hence a major research front remains open, not only in the prevention but also in the treatment of this pathology. In this article we review epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of this complication, and various preventive and therapeutic modalities currently available.