azathioprine

noun

aza·​thi·​o·​prine ˌa-zə-ˈthī-ə-ˌprēn How to pronounce azathioprine (audio)
: a purine antimetabolite C9H7N7O2S used especially as an immunosuppressant

Examples of azathioprine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Later that same year, long-term immunosuppression was achieved by combining azathioprine with steroids. Connor Lynch, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2023 Treating ulcerative colitis in general can involve immune system suppressors, like the pill azathioprine, and biologics, which are antibodies given via IV infusion or an injection that stop certain proteins from causing inflammation, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Ann Pietrangelo, SELF, 10 Nov. 2021 With his guidance, others in the field of immunosuppressive drugs soon came up with such agents as Imuran, azathioprine and prednisone, allowing Murray to perform the first kidney transplant from an unrelated donor in 1959. Christian Millman, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2019 Other types of immunosuppressants include mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine, which are normally used for organ transplant patients and to manage certain chronic diseases, but are sometimes prescribed off-label for very severe eczema. Jessie Van Amburg, Health.com, 30 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'azathioprine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

aza- + thi- + purine

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of azathioprine was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near azathioprine

Cite this Entry

“Azathioprine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/azathioprine. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

azathioprine

noun
aza·​thi·​o·​prine ˌaz-ə-ˈthī-ə-ˌprēn How to pronounce azathioprine (audio)
: a purine antimetabolite C9H7N7O2S that is used especially as an immunosuppressant see imuran

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