Which tuberculosis medication is known to cause orange or pink tears and urine?

The medication that is known to cause orange or pink discoloration of tears and urine is rifampin. This phenomenon occurs due to rifampin's ability to alter the color of bodily fluids, which results from the compound's red-orange pigments. Rifampin is an important antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis, and it works by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis. This side effect is typically harmless and doesn’t indicate any adverse pharmacological action; however, it is critical for patients to be made aware of this potential effect to alleviate any concerns about unusual urine or tear coloration. Understanding this characteristic can also help healthcare professionals monitor patients effectively while they are on rifampin treatment.