Orange urine is most often caused by dehydration or by foods, vitamins, and medicines that change urine color. It can also be a sign of a medical issue, especially if it keeps happening.

Common causes

  • Not drinking enough water, which makes urine more concentrated and darker.
  • Vitamins or supplements, especially B vitamins, vitamin C, or beta carotene.
  • Medicines, such as rifampin or phenazopyridine, which can turn urine orange.
  • Less commonly, liver or bile duct problems, which can cause persistent orange or dark urine.

When to worry

  • The color stays orange even after you hydrate well.
  • You also have yellow skin or eyes, stomach pain, fever, burning when peeing, or back pain.
  • You have blood in the urine, which can point to a different and more urgent problem.

What to do

  • Drink water and see whether the color returns to normal within a day.
  • Review any recent vitamins, supplements, or medications.
  • Get medical advice if it is persistent or comes with other symptoms.

A simple rule of thumb: if orange urine is short-lived and you were dehydrated or took a new vitamin or medicine, it is often harmless; if it persists, it should be checked.