What does dark urine mean?

Dark urine can be caused by:

* Dehydration (lack of fluids)

* Certain medications, such as antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

* Liver disease

* Kidney disease

* Hemolytic anemia (a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed)

* Myoglobinuria (a condition in which muscle tissue is damaged and myoglobin is released into the urine)

* Porphyria (a group of rare disorders that affect the skin and nervous system)

* Melanoma (a type of skin cancer)

In most cases, dark urine is not a sign of a serious medical condition and will resolve on its own with increased fluid intake. However, it is important to see a doctor if your urine is consistently dark as dark urine can someitimes indicate an underlying medical issue.