Rhabdomyolysis and tea-coloured urine

Muscle cells contain proteins that normally stay inside the muscle. When many cells break down, myoglobin can enter the bloodstream and then the urine, changing its appearance. Other causes of dark urine include dehydration, blood, food, or medicines, so a clinician uses your symptoms and urine and blood tests to identify the cause.

Stop strenuous exercise and arrange urgent medical evaluation today. Tell the clinician about recent exercise, heat exposure, injury, seizures, new medicines, supplements, or recreational drugs. Do not take extra pain medicines or force large amounts of fluid unless a healthcare professional advises it; the safest fluid plan depends on your kidney and heart health.

Seek emergency help if the urine becomes very dark or very little urine is produced, or if you have worsening weakness, severe muscle swelling, confusion, faintness, vomiting, chest symptoms, or trouble breathing. Severe pain out of proportion to the injury or a tense, rapidly enlarging limb also needs immediate assessment.

Ask which tests will check muscle injury and kidney function, whether you need observation or intravenous fluids, what activity to avoid, and when repeat testing is appropriate. Mention any reduced urination, even if the urine colour later looks normal.