Acute kidney failure usually occurs when there is sudden interruption in the blood flow to the kidney, or when there is toxicoverload of the kidneys.
Here are the main causes:
1. A sudden, serious drop in blood flow to the kidneys. These may be from:
a. Heavy blood loss
b. Serious illness
c. Surgery
d. Burns
e. An injury
f. Bad infection called sepsis can reduce blood flow to the kidneys.
g. Not enough fluid in the body (dehydration) also can harm the kidneys.
2. Damage from some infections or poisons.
3. Medications. Examples of medicines that can sometimes harm the kidneys include:
a. Antibiotics, such as gentamicinand streptomycin.
b. Pain medicines, such as aspirinand ibuprofen.
c. Some blood pressure medicines, such as ACE inhibitors.
d. The dyes used in some X-ray tests.
4. A sudden blockage that stops urine from flowing out of the kidneys. This can be caused by:
a. Kidney stones
b. A tumor, an injury
c. Enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
5. Blood clot from cholesterol (cholesterol emboli)
6. Disorders that cause clotting within the kidney's blood vessels
7. Pregnancy complications
Sources:
MedlinePlus
WebMD