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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Consider azathioprine, a small molecule drug that helps women with lupus control painful and dangerous flare-ups. Christine Brennan, Boston Herald, 31 May 2025 Later that same year, long-term immunosuppression was achieved by combining azathioprine with steroids. Connor Lynch, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2023 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 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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Azathioprine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/azathioprine. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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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