Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II)) is an effective agent against various solid tumours. Despite its effectiveness, the dose of cisplatin that can be administered is limited by its nephrotoxicity. Hundreds of platinum compounds (e.g. carboplatin, oxaliplatin, nedaplatin and the liposomal form lipoplatin) have been tested over the last two decades in order to improve the effectiveness and to lessen the toxicity of cisplatin. Several agents have been tested to see whether they could ameliorate or augment the nephrotoxicity of platinum drugs. This review summarizes these studies and the possible mechanisms of actions of these agents. The agents that have been shown to ameliorate experimental cisplatin nephrotoxicity include antioxidants (e.g. melatonin, vitamin E, selenium, and many others), modulators of nitric oxide (e.g. zinc histidine complex), agents interfering with metabolic pathways of cisplatin (e.g. procaine HCL), diuretics (e.g. furosemide and mannitol), and cytoprotective and antiapoptotic agents (e.g. amifostine and erythropoietin). Only few of these agents have been tested in humans. Those agents that have been shown to augment cisplatin nephrotoxicity include nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, spironolactone, gemcitabine and others. Combining these agents with cisplatin should be avoided.