You’re probably used to your urine being a shade of yellow. So if you see orange urine, you might wonder what’s going on, especially if the color changes suddenly.
There’s usually a simple cause. Certain medications or supplements can change the color of your urine and it’s usually harmless. Crystal Lee, a pharmacist with Banner Health, explained why this happens and when it could signal something else, so you know what to do.
What causes urine to turn orange?
Your urine color can change based on:
- How hydrated you are, since your urine will be lighter when you’ve been drinking a lot of fluids (especially water) and darker when you’re less hydrated
- Dyes in your food
- Eating a lot of foods high in beta-carotene, like carrots, may also turn your skin orange
- Some health conditions
- Certain medications or supplements, which are one of the most common and harmless causes of color change
Common medications that turn urine orange
Most medications that change the color of your urine will have a message on the label that says “may cause discoloration of urine.” If you’re taking any of these medications, they could be what’s turning your urine orange:
- Phenazopyridine (Pyridium, AZO): Available over the counter and used for urinary pain relief. The bright orange or reddish-orange urine color is expected and temporary. This medication can also discolor contact lenses and stain fabrics.
- Rifampin: This prescription antibiotic treats certain infections, including tuberculosis. It can turn urine, sweat and tears orange or red. This side effect is harmless, but it can be alarming if you don’t know to expect it.
- Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine): This prescription medication treats autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or ulcerative colitis.
- Chlorzoxazone (Lorzone): This prescription muscle relaxant treats muscle pain
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid): This prescription antibiotic for urinary tract infections usually turns urine more brown than orange.
- Vitamins and supplements: High-dose B vitamins, especially B2 and B12, can cause bright yellow to orange urine. That’s because your body doesn’t store more of the vitamin than it needs. It flushes out any extra in your urine.
- Medications with dyes: Some laxatives or medications contain dyes that can temporarily change your urine color.
Why medications change urine color
Some medications contain dyes or are red-orange in color, so you see that color when you pass them out of your body in your urine. Others create orange byproducts when you metabolize them. Your urine color usually goes back to normal when your body clears the medication.
Could it be dehydration instead?
“Usually with dehydration, urine will be more dark yellow or amber rather than bright orange, although sometimes dehydration can cause orange urine,” Dr. Lee said.
Dehydration is usually caused by not drinking enough fluids, heat or illness. Drinking water usually makes urine lighter in color. If you think you might be dehydrated, try drinking 16 to 20 ounces of water and check the color of your urine the next time you pee.
When orange urine may be a sign of a problem
Symptoms and other things happening at the same time matter more than just the color of your urine. You should contact a health care provider if:
- There’s no clear medication or supplement causing the color change
- You also have pale stools, stools that float or yellow skin or eyes
- You have pain, fever or burning with urination
- You’re confused or not thinking clearly
- The color remains after you stop taking a medication
- You’re not urinating as much as you usually do
- You think you’re dehydrated and you can’t get enough fluids because of vomiting or diarrhea
- You’re pregnant and you have unexplained changes in the color of your urine
- Your urine is closer to tea-colored, which could be a sign of dehydration, liver or kidney issues, or muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
- Your urine is pink/red, which could look orange if you are dehydrated and could be blood in the urine
How doctors figure out the cause
In most cases, whatever’s causing orange urine isn’t a concern. But it’s important to know what’s behind it. To figure out what’s going on, your provider will:
- Ask you about supplements and medications that may cause orange urine
- Recommend urine testing if they think you might have an infection
- Order blood tests if it’s possible that you have liver issues
The bottom line on orange urine
Orange urine is often caused by medications or vitamins and is usually not harmful. It’s good to know if you’re taking something that causes orange urine, so you’re not worried when you see it.
If you notice changes in your urine color that don’t have a clear cause or come with other symptoms, reach out to a Banner Health provider for help figuring out what’s going on.
FAQs
Why is my urine orange?
It’s often caused by medications, vitamins or dehydration.
Is orange urine dangerous?
Usually not, especially if it’s linked to a known medication.
Which medications cause orange urine?
Phenazopyridine, rifampin and some vitamins are common causes.
Can dehydration cause orange urine?
Yes. Darker urine can be a sign you need more fluids.
When should I call a doctor about urine color?
If there’s no clear cause or you have other symptoms like pain or yellowing skin.
