Medications Causing Orange Urine Discoloration

Causes of Orange Urine Discoloration

• Rifampicin (and other rifamycines like rifabutin and rifapentin) causes a universal orange discoloration of body fluids, including urine, sweat, tears, and sputum, as reported by the American Thoracic Society 1, 2
• Certain chemotherapeutic agents can also cause urine discoloration, according to the National Kidney Foundation 3, 4

Clinical Considerations

• Patients should be informed about the expected discoloration of urine and other body fluids before starting rifampicin therapy, as recommended by the American College of Chest Physicians 1
• The orange discoloration can permanently stain soft contact lenses and clothing, as noted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
• Hematuria (blood in urine) and myoglobinuria (in rhabdomyolysis) should be differentiated from medication-induced discoloration, as advised by the National Kidney Foundation 3