Urine, abnormal color

Alternative names:

discoloration of urine

Home care:

For dark yellow or orange urine, increase fluid intake.

For urine color changes due to medication or food consumption, the color change is temporary and will disappear as the chemical substance causing the color change leaves the body. No treatment is necessary.

For green or blue urine, no treatment is necessary. This condition is harmless.

Call your health care provider if:

• there is clear, dark-brown urine, particularly if accompanied by pale stools and yellow skin and eyes.
• there is pink, red, or smoky-brown urine, and the color change was not expected (due to a medication).
• abnormal urine color is persistent and unexplained or accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting abnormal urine color in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did this begin?
  • Did this begin suddenly?

• quality
  • Is there any pain associated with urination?
  • What color is the urine?
  • Is it consistently the same color throughout the day?
  • Is the quantity of urine per day decreased? Increased?
  • Is any blood visible?
  • Is there an odor?

• aggravating factors
  • Are medications being taken that could cause this change in color?
  • Have foods been eaten that could account for this change in color (such as colored candy, beets, berries, rhubarb)?

• relieving factors:
  • Does a change in diet change the color of the urine?
  • Does a change in medication change the color of the urine? (Note: NEVER change medications without first consulting your health care provider.)

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
    • Pain when urinating?
    • Pain in the abdomen?
    • Back pain?
    • Fever?

  • Has there been a decreased fluid intake or decreased thirst?
  • Has there been a decreased appetite?
  • What medications are being taken?
  • Has there been any previous urinary problems or kidney problems?
  • Are there any allergies?

A history will be obtained and a physical examination performed (possibly including a rectal or pelvic exam). Take a clean catch urine sample to your health care provider's office.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood tests, including liver function tests if appropriate
• urinalysis
• urine culture and sensitivity studies

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to abnormal urine color, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.