Which statement about rifampin-related body fluid discoloration is accurate?

Which statement about rifampin-related body fluid discoloration is accurate?

• A. It colors only urine orange-red.
• B. It colors only tears orange-red.
• C. Urine, tears, and sweat may be orange-red.
• D. It colors stool orange.

Answer: (C)

Rifampin has a bright orange pigment that is excreted in the body’s secretions. Because this pigment is shed into fluids like urine, tears, and sweat, those secretions can take on an orange-red color. That makes the statement about urine, tears, and sweat being orange-red the accurate one. The color change is harmless and simply a drug effect, not a sign of toxicity or treatment failure. It can also stain contact lenses and clothing, so patients are advised to be aware. Stool discoloration can occur in some cases, but the most consistent and commonly noted fluids are urine, tears, and sweat, which is why that option is the best answer.

Rifampin has a bright orange pigment that is excreted in the body’s secretions. Because this pigment is shed into fluids like urine, tears, and sweat, those secretions can take on an orange-red color. That makes the statement about urine, tears, and sweat being orange-red the accurate one. The color change is harmless and simply a drug effect, not a sign of toxicity or treatment failure. It can also stain contact lenses and clothing, so patients are advised to be aware. Stool discoloration can occur in some cases, but the most consistent and commonly noted fluids are urine, tears, and sweat, which is why that option is the best answer.