A derivative of 6-mercaptopurine, used as a cytotoxic and immunosuppressive agent in organ transplantation and in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as hemolytic anemias, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and leukemias.
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aza·thi·o·prine .az-ə-'thī-ə-.prēn n a purine antimetabolite C9H7N7O2S that is used esp. as an immunosuppressant see IMURAN
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n.
an immunosuppressant drug, used mainly to aid the survival of organ or tissue transplants. It has also been used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis), rheumatoid arthritis, and myasthenia gravis. Azathioprine may damage bone marrow, causing blood disorders. It may also cause muscle wasting and skin rashes. Trade name: Imuran.
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aza·thio·prine (az″ə-thiґo-prēn) [USP] the imidazolyl derivative of 6-mercaptopurine, its active metabolite; used as an immunosuppressive agent for prevention of transplant rejection in organ transplantation; as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug for treatment of severe, progressive rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to other agents; and in treatment of a number of autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or inflammatory bowel disease; administered orally.Medical dictionary. 2011.