What should you know about passing dark brown urine?

Urine may become tea-coloured when it is concentrated after sweating, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, or not drinking enough. A liver or bile-flow problem can make urine dark while the eyes or skin look yellow and stools become unusually pale. Blood can also change urine to brown or cola-like, sometimes with pain or burning. Intense muscle injury may release pigment that darkens urine, especially with muscle pain or weakness. Food, supplements, and some medicines can alter colour too.

The appearance alone cannot identify the cause. Note when the change began, whether it happens every time, and any pain, fever, yellowing, reduced urine, or recent strenuous activity.

If you otherwise feel well and dehydration is plausible, rest in a cool place and sip water regularly. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice; instead, tell a clinician or pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take. Arrange a medical review if the colour does not return toward normal after drinking, keeps recurring, or has no clear explanation. A clinician may examine you and test urine and blood to check the kidneys, liver, and muscle.

Seek urgent care for dark brown urine with yellow skin or eyes, severe abdominal or back pain, fever, confusion, fainting, marked muscle pain or weakness, very little urine, or inability to keep fluids down. Red or cola-coloured urine after an injury or intense exercise also warrants prompt assessment. Contact emergency services if you feel seriously unwell or collapse.

Ask: Could my medicines, dehydration, liver, kidneys, or muscles explain this colour? Do I need urine or blood tests? Which symptoms should make me seek urgent help? Should I change how I drink fluids while this is being assessed?