If your child is diagnosed with G6PD deficiency, you will be counseled by our neonatal doctor and given a written handout for more details about how this condition is inherited and the precautions you will need to take for your baby.
Your baby will need to remain in hospital for at least 72 hours after birth for monitoring and possibly treatment of jaundice. After hospital discharge, take care of your newborn as usual.
However, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication. Be careful about using herbal supplements or alternative therapies.
In particular, the items below must be avoided life long.
Mothers who are breastfeeding must also avoid the food and drugs on this list.
Antibiotics
- Sulphonamides
- Co-trimoxazole (Septrin)
- Dapsone
- Chloramphenicol
- Nitrofurantoin
- Nalidixic acid
Antimalarials
- Chloroquine
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Primaquine
- Quinine
- Mepacrine
Chemicals
- Moth Balls (naphthalene)
- Methylene blue
Food
- Fava beans - also called broad beans