Fenoldopam Mesylate: A Narrative Review of Its Use in Acute Kidney Injury

Background: Fenoldopam mesylate is a selective agonist of DA-1 receptors. It is currently used for the in-hospital treatment of severe hypertension. DA-1 receptors have high density in renal parenchyma and for this reason, a possible reno-protective role of Fenoldopam mesylate was investigated. Methods: We examined all studies regarding the role of Fenoldopam mesylate in Acute Kidney Injury (AKI); particularly, those involving post-surgical patients, intensive care unit patients and contrast-induced nephropathy. Results: Fenoldopam mesylate was found to be effective in reducing the onset of postoperative AKI, when used before the development of the kidney damage. Positive results were also obtained in the management of intensive care unit patients with AKI, although the clinical studies investigated were few and conducted on small samples. Conclusion: Conflicting results were achieved in contrast-induced nephropathy.