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
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