Urine Color Changes

Urine color changes may be accompanied by other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms can be due to problems in the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra), the reproductive system, the endocrine system, the digestive system, cardiovascular system, and other organs and systems of the body.

Symptoms related to the urinary tract that can occur with urine color changes include:

• Abdominal or flank pain along your abdomen, side or back

• Bladder spasms, pain, or cramps, which are felt in the lower abdominal area

• Dribbling urine or incontinence

• Foul-smelling urine

• Frequent urination or a decrease in urination

• Painful urination or burning with urination

• Urgent urination

Symptoms related to other organs or body systems that can occur with urine color changes include:

• Easy bruising, bleeding gums, or bleeding that does not stop quickly

• Excessive hunger and thirst

• Fever

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Swelling (edema) of the legs and possibly the abdomen, arms and face

• Swelling of lymph nodes

• Symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth, thirst, dizziness, and weakness

• Vaginal or penile discharge

• Weight loss or weight gain

In some cases, urine color changes can occur with symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you or someone you are with has any of these life-threatening symptoms:

• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness

• Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions

• Inability to urinate or severe decrease in urination

• Seizure

• Severe abdominal pain or flank pain along your abdomen, side, or lower back

Urine color changes can be caused by conditions that are not harmful, such as eating certain foods. Urine color changes can also be a side effect of certain medications.

Urine color changes can be a symptom of an infection, inflammation or condition of the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra) or the reproductive organs. Blood in the urine (hematuria) is a common symptom of a problem in the urinary tract. Hematuria can make the urine appear red, pink or cloudy. A small amount of blood in the urine that is not visible to the naked eye can also cause urine to change color.

Urine color changes can also be caused by diseases of other body systems and diseases that cause the excretion of protein in the urine, which can cloud urine when present in high levels. These include diabetes, heart disease, starvation or excessive dieting, and preeclampsia.

Eating certain foods or taking certain medications can cause urine color changes. If you experience urine color changes that are not caused by food or medications, you should contact your medical provider.

Foods that can cause urine color changes include:

• Asparagus

• Beets

• Blackberries

• Carrots

• Certain food colorings

• Fava beans

• Rhubarb

Many medications can cause urine color changes. If you have urine color changes and are taking any medications, notify your health care provider and provide a complete list of all herbal and dietary supplements and over-the-counter and prescription medications you take.
Some of the more common medications that can cause urine color changes include:

• Amitriptyline (Elavil)

• Blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin)

• Cimetidine (Tagamet)

• Indomethacin (Indocin)

• Laxatives

• Metronidazole (Flagyl)

• Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)  

• Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)

• Propofol (Diprivan)

• Rifampin (Rifadin)

• Vitamin C and vitamin B supplements

Causes of urine color changes related to the urinary tract and reproductive system include:

• Bladder or kidney cancer

• Cystitis (bladder inflammation or infection)

• Injury or trauma to the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra)

• Kidney failure (renal failure)

• Kidney stone

• Nephritis or glomerulonephritis (types of kidney inflammation)

• Preeclampsia (serious condition of pregnancy marked by swelling, high blood pressure, and protein in the urine)

• Pregnancy

• Prostatitis (inflammation or infection of the prostate gland)

• Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and trichomoniasis

• Urinary tract infections, such as a bladder infection or kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

• Urinary tract procedures, such as catheterization or kidney biopsy

Urine color changes can be caused by diseases and conditions of body systems outside the urinary tract including:

• Blood disorders, such as hemophilia, leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia

• Cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, pericarditis, and heart failure

• Certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

• Certain inborn errors of metabolism (lysosomal storage diseases)

• Certain types of chemical poisoning, such as from antifreeze ingestion

• Diabetes (chronic disease that affects your body’s ability to use sugar for energy)

• Liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis and cirrhosis

• Moderate to severe dehydration or heat exposure

• Starvation or excessive dieting

• Strenuous exercise

Complications associated with urine color changes vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Complications of untreated or poorly controlled diseases, such as diabetes, kidney infection, or cirrhosis of the liver, can be serious and even life threatening. Over time, underlying causes of urine color changes can lead to serious complications including:

• Diabetic coma

• Eclampsia

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Heart attack and stroke

• Hemorrhage

• Ketoacidosis

• Kidney damage and chronic kidney disease

• Permanent liver damage and liver failure

• Septicemia (blood infection)

• Severe dehydration

• Shock

• Spread of cancer (metastasis)

• Urosepsis (severe urinary tract infection that has spread and led to systemic inflammation called sepsis)