Question
The newborn developed jaundice immediately after birth and has been receiving blue light therapy in the hospital. They have been taking milk thistle granules at home for five days. Yesterday, the medication was not taken, but the baby has been more fussy than usual. Could this be related to not taking the medicine? How many days should the milk thistle granules be taken?
Answer
Physiological jaundice usually does not require special treatment. Early feeding in newborns helps to expel meconium earlier and establish a normal intestinal flora, thereby reducing the absorption of bilirubin from the intestines, which can somewhat alleviate the jaundice. When a newborn has jaundice, it is advisable to avoid using sulfonamides, aspirin, and drugs containing sodium benzoate, as these may increase the risk of kernicterus. If a newborn has a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in red blood cells, it is recommended to avoid using oxidizing drugs such as vitamin K3, K4, sulfonamides, and furan medicine.