Dark urine and yellow eyes: what should you know?

Yellowing of the whites of the eyes is called jaundice. It can occur when bilirubin, a yellow substance processed by the liver, builds up. Dark urine may appear when bilirubin passes into urine. Causes include inflammation or infection affecting the liver, blockage in bile drainage, or another problem that changes how the body handles bilirubin. Dehydration can also make urine more concentrated, but it does not explain yellow eyes by itself.

Arrange a same-day or prompt medical review, especially if the change is new. A clinician may ask about medicines, alcohol, recent travel, abdominal symptoms, stool colour and exposure to illness, then examine you and request blood and urine tests. Do not start supplements or stop prescribed medicines without advice. Sip fluids if you can drink normally, avoid alcohol until assessed, and note when the urine and eye colour changed.

Seek urgent help for severe or worsening upper-abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, fainting, fever with a very unwell feeling, bleeding, or inability to keep fluids down. New jaundice during pregnancy, in a newborn, or with very pale stools and intense itching also warrants urgent medical guidance.

Ask which tests will check liver function and bile flow, whether a medicine or infection could be involved, and which symptoms should trigger emergency care. Tell the clinician about every prescription, over-the-counter medicine and supplement you use.