Just a small expansion on Tom Hales' comments on Silvadene. Sulfonamide drugs are a risk for the newborn because they increase the risk of an infant developing kernicterus (bilirubin encephalopathy) when the infant is jaundiced, BUT, sulfonamide drugs DO NOT cause jaundice themselves. In fact, they will result in a reduction in the serum bilirubin concentration by facilitating the movement of bilirubin out of the circulation and into tissue (including the brain), which is believed to be the mechanism by which they increase the risk for brain damage. Sulfonamides should never be given to newborns (directly or indirectly) whenever there is any risk of the infant becoming jaundiced. Larry Gartner Lawrence M. Gartner, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology The University of Chicago [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask]