Kidney stones and dark brown urine: what to know

A stone can scratch the urinary tract and cause blood, which may make urine pink, red, tea-coloured or brown. Very concentrated urine from dehydration can also look dark. Cloudiness, a strong smell or burning may point toward infection, while some medicines and foods can alter colour.

Colour alone cannot show whether a stone is present or whether a kidney is blocked. Consider the whole picture: flank or abdominal pain, painful urination, fever, vomiting and the amount of urine you pass. Dark brown urine that follows heavy exercise or occurs with muscle pain also deserves medical advice.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if the colour is new, persistent or unexplained, particularly when you also have suspected stone symptoms. A clinician may examine you, test urine and blood, and arrange imaging such as an abdominal ultrasound when obstruction is possible.

Drink your usual safe amount of fluid if you can and have no fluid restriction. Do not delay care while trying to clear the colour at home, and do not take unprescribed antibiotics. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, since they can help explain a colour change.

Seek urgent care for dark brown urine with severe flank pain, fever or chills, repeated vomiting, visible clots, difficulty passing urine, faintness or confusion. Reduced urine output is also urgent. These signs may indicate bleeding, infection, obstruction or another problem that needs examination.

Ask whether the urine contains blood or infection, whether your medicines could change its colour, whether kidney imaging is needed, how much fluid is safe, and which changes should prompt emergency care.