Which drug is associated with red discoloration of body fluids?

Which drug is associated with red discoloration of body fluids?

• A. Isoniazid
• B. Rifampin
• C. Pyrazinamide
• D. Ethambutol

Answer: (B)

Rifampin is known for turning body fluids a reddish-orange color. This arises from the drug’s bright pigment being excreted in urine, sweat, tears, and other secretions. It’s a benign, non-toxic effect, though it can stain clothing and contact lenses and may surprise patients if they’re not warned. In practice, this color change reassures that the drug is active, but it’s not harmful and typically fades after treatment ends. Other TB drugs have different side-effect profiles without this pigment change: isoniazid mainly causes hepatotoxicity and neuropathy, pyrazinamide can raise uric acid leading to gout, and ethambutol can cause optic neuritis and changes in color vision.

Rifampin is known for turning body fluids a reddish-orange color. This arises from the drug’s bright pigment being excreted in urine, sweat, tears, and other secretions. It’s a benign, non-toxic effect, though it can stain clothing and contact lenses and may surprise patients if they’re not warned. In practice, this color change reassures that the drug is active, but it’s not harmful and typically fades after treatment ends. Other TB drugs have different side-effect profiles without this pigment change: isoniazid mainly causes hepatotoxicity and neuropathy, pyrazinamide can raise uric acid leading to gout, and ethambutol can cause optic neuritis and changes in color vision.