azathioprine

noun

aza·​thi·​o·​prine ˌa-zə-ˈthī-ə-ˌprēn 

: a purine antimetabolite C₉H₇N₇O₂S used especially as an immunosuppressant

Examples of azathioprine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other immune-suppressing medicines for serious systemic disease can include CellCept (mycophenolate), Azasan (azathioprine), or cyclophosphamide. — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

aza- + thi- + purine

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for azathioprine

• aconitine
• anopheline
• antipyrine
• bromocriptine
• chlorhexidine
• clomipramine
• creatinine
• desipramine
• guanethidine
• heterodyne
• imipramine
• meperidine

Medical Definition

azathioprine

noun

aza·​thi·​o·​prine ˌaz-ə-ˈthī-ə-ˌprēn 

: a purine antimetabolite C₉H₇N₇O₂S that is used especially as an immunosuppressant see imuran