A 73-year-old female client with Parkinson’s syndrome was prescribed l

A 73-year-old female client with Parkinson’s syndrome was prescribed levodopa when other therapies had failed. The client is alarmed that her urine has become dark brown and is concern.

The nurse explains to the client that one of the side effects of this medication is that it may cause:
1. Her urine to become dark brown or black
2. Heart failure
3. Kidney failure
4. Hair loss

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Some medications change the color of urine. Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) colors the urine a bright orange to rust; amitriptyline causes a green or blue discoloration, whereas levodopa discolors the urine to brown or black.