Many new techniques and pharmacologic strategies are used to decrease ischemia and reperfusion injury following cardiac arrest. These therapies are directed at both the enhancement of cerebral blood flow, resulting in an increase in oxygen delivery to the brain, and at modulating some of the causes of neuronal injury following global ischemia. These therapies include treatment of acidosis, hypothermia, antioxidant drugs, calcium entry blockers, excitatory amino acid antagonists, sodium bicarbonate, and avoidance of hyperglycemia. Supportive care after cardiac arrest, including seizure prophylaxis and intracranial pressure monitoring, are also discussed.