 While many sources recommend additional intravenous agents to reduce damage to the kidney , most of the evidence supporting this practice comes from animal studies , and is inconsistent and conflicting . Mannitol acts by osmosis to enhance urine production and is thought to prevent myoglobin deposition in the kidney , but its efficacy has not been shown in studies and there is a risk of worsening kidney function . The addition of bicarbonate to the intravenous fluids may alleviate acidosis ( high acid level of the blood ) and make the urine more alkaline to prevent cast formation in the kidneys ; evidence suggesting that bicarbonate has benefits above saline alone is limited , and it can worsen hypocalcemia by enhancing calcium and phosphate deposition in the tissues . If urine alkalinization is used , the pH of the urine is kept at 6 @.@ 5 or above . Furosemide , a loop diuretic , is often used to ensure sufficient urine production , but evidence that this prevents kidney failure is lacking . 
