Definition

A medication that helps to suppress the immune system, often used to prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs, particularly in kidney transplants.

Example

The doctor prescribed azathioprine to help manage the patient's autoimmune condition.

Conversation

Have you heard about azathioprine?

Yeah, I think it's used for preventing organ rejection, right?

Exactly! It's pretty important for kidney transplant patients.

I read that it's also an immunosuppressant for other conditions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Azathioprine is a compound name derived from 'aza-' (a prefix indicating the presence of nitrogen in place of carbon) and 'thioprine' (from 'thio-' meaning sulfur and 'purine' referring to a class of compounds that includes adenine and guanine). The name reflects its chemical structure, which includes nitrogen and sulfur components, and its relation to purine metabolism.

Memory Tip

Think of 'aza-' indicating nitrogen and 'thio-' indicating sulfur, which helps you remember that azathioprine is a compound involving these elements in its structure.

Visually Confused Words