MedDroidSymptom guide
Dark urine: causes, warning signs & what to do
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed
Medically reviewedDark yellow urine usually just means you need more water. Tea- or cola-coloured, red or brown urine is different and can point to the liver, kidneys or muscles.
Possible causes
Common causes of dark urine
- Dehydration — dark yellow urine that lightens when you drink more
- Liver problems or jaundice — tea-coloured urine, sometimes with yellow eyes
- Blood in the urine — from infection, kidney stones or other causes
- Foods such as beetroot, and some vitamins or medicines, can change urine colour
- Muscle breakdown after extreme exercise, heat or injury (rhabdomyolysis) — cola-coloured
- Breakdown of red blood cells, for example in severe malaria
Self-care
What you can do now
- Drink more water and see if the colour lightens within a day
- Think about recent foods, supplements or new medicines
- Avoid heavy exercise in extreme heat without fluids
- If the colour does not return to normal, get a urine test
Red flags
When to see a doctor urgently
- Cola-coloured urine with muscle pain or weakness after heavy exercise, heat or injury — seek urgent care
- Dark urine with yellow eyes, pale stools or itching
- Passing very little urine, or red urine with clots
- Dark urine with fever, chills, or pain in the side or back
Checks
Tests a doctor may suggest
Depending on your history and examination, a doctor may suggest some of these. Your doctor decides which, if any, you need.
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Related pages
References
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
What does dark urine mean?
Most often it means mild dehydration. If it stays dark despite drinking water, or looks tea, cola or red coloured, see a doctor and get a urine test.
Is dark urine a sign of jaundice?
It can be. In jaundice, urine turns tea-coloured, often with yellow eyes and pale stools. A bilirubin blood test checks it.
Can medicines change urine colour?
Yes, some vitamins, antibiotics and other medicines change urine colour. Mention all medicines and supplements to your doctor.