Can a UTI cause dark urine?

Dehydration commonly makes urine more concentrated and deep yellow. Heat exhaustion can occur after heat exposure with heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, or nausea. Dark brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, or significant tiredness may point toward a liver or bile problem such as hepatitis. Red, pink, or tea-coloured urine may reflect blood and needs assessment, especially with pain. Foods, supplements, and medicines can also alter colour.

Check whether the urine becomes lighter after normal fluid intake and whether you have burning, urgency, a strong urge to pass urine, lower abdominal pain, or fever. Do not use colour alone to decide that antibiotics are needed. Arrange a clinical review if the colour persists, recurs, or is accompanied by urinary symptoms. Take a list of medicines and supplements to the appointment.

Get urgent care for dark urine with severe weakness, confusion, fainting, vomiting, fever or chills, flank pain, yellow skin or eyes, very little urine, or visible blood. Heat exposure with dizziness or inability to keep fluids down also needs prompt attention. Pregnancy and known liver or kidney disease warrant early medical advice.

Ask whether you need a urine test, blood tests for liver or kidney function, or review of a medicine. Tell the clinician the colour, timing, fluid intake, heat exposure, pain, and any changes in bowel movements or skin colour.