Dark urine colour: what should you know?

Urine may look dark yellow or amber when it is concentrated, such as after sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, or drinking less than usual. Some medicines, supplements, and foods can also alter its shade. Brown or tea-coloured urine, especially when it continues, can have a different explanation involving the liver, bile flow, blood, or muscle, so colour alone cannot identify the cause.

Dark urine can occur with [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/) or [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/). It may also appear alongside symptoms of [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/) or [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/), but a dark colour does not establish any of these conditions.

Consider recent fluid loss, heat exposure, exercise, new medicines, and supplements. If you feel well and dehydration seems possible, take fluids regularly and observe whether the colour becomes lighter. Do not rapidly drink large amounts if you have been told to restrict fluids or have a condition affecting your heart or kidneys.

Note the colour, timing, amount, smell, pain, and any change in urination. Arrange a clinical review if the colour persists, recurs without a clear reason, or appears with yellowing skin, pale stools, burning, fever, or flank pain. More information is available at [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/).

Seek urgent assessment for dark urine with confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, severe abdominal or flank pain, or very little urine. Get prompt medical advice for visible blood, yellow eyes or skin, fever, or urine that remains brown or tea-coloured despite normal fluid intake.

Tell the clinician when the change began, whether it followed heat or fluid loss, and every medicine or supplement you take. Ask whether you need urine or blood tests and which associated symptoms should prompt urgent review.