What should you know about dark orange urine in the morning?

Urine becomes darker when it contains less water. A dry mouth, thirst, headache, sweating or passing urine less often can fit with dehydration, especially after a hot day or exercise. Foods, supplements and medicines can also alter urine colour. Orange or tea-coloured urine that continues through the day may reflect bile pigments and should be checked, particularly with yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, nausea, itching or discomfort under the right ribs. This colour alone cannot identify a cause.

Notice whether the urine lightens after drinking fluids and returning to your usual routine. Sip water regularly rather than drinking a large amount quickly, unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids. Review any new medicine, vitamin or supplement with a pharmacist, and do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. Keep track of the colour, smell, amount, pain, fever and any change in bowel movements. If it remains orange despite normal fluid intake, arrange a primary-care assessment; a clinician may examine you and test urine or blood.

Seek urgent medical help for dark urine with confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, severe abdominal pain, fever with feeling very unwell, or very little urine. Prompt assessment is also needed for yellow eyes or skin, pale stools, blood in the urine, burning with urination, or pain in the back or side. Heat exposure with dizziness, heavy sweating, weakness or vomiting can require urgent attention; read about [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/).

Ask whether your colour change could relate to dehydration, a medicine or a liver or urinary problem. Mention when it first appeared, whether it clears after fluids, recent heat or exercise, and every medicine or supplement you take. Ask which urine or blood tests are appropriate and what symptoms should prompt same-day care.