Why does urine turn yellow after taking Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets, and what should be done?
Generally, yellow urine after taking Niuhuang Jiedu tablets may be caused by factors such as drug metabolism, insufficient water intake leading to concentrated urine, urethritis, cystitis, or abnormal liver and gallbladder function. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause, followed by improvement through medication adjustment, lifestyle care, or pharmacological treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Drug Metabolism: Niuhuang Jiedu tablets contain ingredients such as artificial bezoar and rhubarb. After metabolism in the body, the resulting metabolites are excreted through urine, causing it to appear yellow. This is a normal drug reaction and requires no special treatment. Continue taking the medication as prescribed, increase water intake to help eliminate the metabolites, and the urine color will gradually lighten.
2. Insufficient Water Intake and Concentrated Urine: If water intake is inadequate during medication, reduced water content in urine increases the concentration of drug metabolites, resulting in darker yellow urine. Immediately increase water consumption to 1500–2000 milliliters daily to dilute urine, avoid holding urine, and maintain regular urination to alleviate yellow urine symptoms.
3. Urethritis: Bacterial infection causing inflammation of the urethra may lead to redness and swelling of the urethral mucosa, potentially causing yellow urine along with symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination. Patients should follow medical advice to take anti-infective medications such as Levofloxacin Hydrochloride capsules, Cefuroxime Axetil tablets, or Azithromycin capsules.
4. Cystitis: Inflammation caused by bacterial or mycoplasma infection of the bladder can damage the bladder mucosa, possibly causing yellow urine accompanied by lower abdominal pain and cloudy urine. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as Cefixime Dispersible tablets, Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride tablets, or Nitrofurantoin Enteric-coated tablets for treatment.
5. Abnormal Liver and Gallbladder Function: Niuhuang Jiedu tablets are metabolized in the liver. If liver or gallbladder function is impaired, abnormal bilirubin metabolism may cause yellow urine, accompanied by jaundice and fatigue. Immediately discontinue Niuhuang Jiedu tablets under medical guidance and follow prescriptions to take hepatoprotective medications such as Silymarin capsules, Compound Glycyrrhizin tablets, or Reduced Glutathione tablets.
In daily life, maintain a light diet, avoid alcohol consumption, and refrain from taking drugs harmful to the liver and kidneys. Strictly follow medical instructions regarding dosage and duration of medication; do not increase the dose or take the medication for prolonged periods on your own. Monitor changes in urine color and maintain urinary, liver, and gallbladder health through proper care.