Dark cola-coloured urine: what to know

Very concentrated urine may become deep yellow or brown after fluid loss, including sweating, fever, diarrhoea, or vomiting. A cola or tea shade can also occur when blood or bile pigments enter urine. After strenuous exercise, a muscle pigment may darken urine, particularly if there is muscle pain, weakness, or swelling. Medicines and some foods can alter colour, but a cola appearance should not be dismissed when it is new or persistent.

Look for accompanying clues: burning or urgency may suggest urinary irritation, yellow eyes may point toward a liver or bile-flow problem, and marked muscle symptoms after exertion need prompt review. A urine sample helps distinguish these possibilities.

If you have not been told to restrict fluids, drink steadily and avoid intense exercise until the cause is clearer. Note when the colour began, how much you are urinating, recent heat or illness, exercise, and all medicines or supplements. Contact a clinician promptly if the colour remains dark, returns, or comes with any other symptom.

Seek urgent medical care for greatly reduced urine, severe muscle pain or weakness, fever with back or side pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, visible blood, confusion, fainting, or vomiting that prevents fluids. Immediate help is appropriate if dark urine follows a significant injury or unusually strenuous exertion.

Could this be concentrated urine, blood, bile pigment, or muscle pigment? Do I need urine and blood tests today? Should I pause exercise or any non-essential supplement while this is assessed?