Aminoglycoside are frequently used due to its high efficacy against gram-negative bacteria and positive synergism with other antibiotics against gram-positive organisms. They are commonly used for prevention and treatment of infection complications after cardiothoracic surgery. The principal side effect of this class of antibiotics is nephrotoxicity, which may occur in up to 20% of the exposed patients. Although usually reversible, aminoglycosideinduced renal injury prolongs hospitalization time and increase patients cost. Even more important, the occurrence of nephrotoxicity is associated with higher patient mortality. There are some known risk factors for nephrotoxicity development and some measures that may prevent it. This review will cover the most relevant aspects of this important side effect of aminoglycoside therapy. Descriptors 445OLIVEIRA, JFP ET AL -Aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 2006; 21(4): 444-452