The drug that is known to cause black urine is known as “blackwater fever.” Blackwater fever is a condition that is caused by a reaction to certain antimalarial drugs, most notably quinine and its derivatives. This reaction causes the red blood cells to rupture, which leads to the release of hemoglobin into the urine. The dark color of the urine is caused by the presence of the hemoglobin in the urine, and the condition can be very serious and even life-threatening.
The most common antimalarial drugs that are associated with blackwater fever are quinine, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine. These drugs are used to treat malaria, though they can also be used to treat other conditions such as lupus and arthritis. When these drugs are used in combination, they can lead to a reaction that causes the red blood cells to rupture. This then leads to the release of hemoglobin into the urine, which is what gives it the dark color.
It is important to note that blackwater fever is not always caused by drug use, and can also be caused by other conditions such as an infection or even a reaction to certain foods. However, if you are taking any of the antimalarial drugs mentioned above and experience black urine, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Treatment may include changing the antimalarial drug that you are taking, or in more severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace the lost blood.