Not all that is red is blood: a curious case of chromaturia

Clin Case Rep. 2018 Apr 6;6(6):1179-1180. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.1514. eCollection 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Hydroxocobalamin causes reddish discoloration of the urine, mimicking hematuria. Clinicians should be aware of this common side effect of the rarely used drug to prevent unnecessary consultations and work-up. Additional benign causes of red urine include foods such as beets, rhubarb, and medications such as rifampin, phenazopyridine.

Keywords: Hematuria; hydroxocobalamin; side effect; urine.