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

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

Abhilash Koratala  1 , Gajapathiraju Chamarthi  1 , Mark S Segal  1
Affiliations

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

Abhilash Koratala et al. Clin Case Rep. .

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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Foley catheter tube and bag demonstrating dark red/cola‐colored urine.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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