immunosuppressant

noun

im·​mu·​no·​sup·​pres·​sant ˌi-myə-nō-sə-ˈpre-sᵊnt 

i-ˌmyü-nō-

plural immunosuppressants

: an agent (such as a drug) that suppresses the immune response

The drug was a strong immunosuppressant and was lowering the rats' T-cell counts, making them more vulnerable to infections.

—Chip Brown

… a highly specific immunosuppressant that prevents patients from rejecting transplanted tissue.

—Barry Werth

immunosuppressant adjective

immunosuppressant drugs

Examples of immunosuppressant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The patient survived more than a year, and s survival time lengthened even further when doctors discovered that an immunosuppressant worked better if given along with the steroid prednisone. —Nadia Kounang, CNN Money, 17 May 2025

Although more evidence is needed, rhodiola may interact with antidepressants, blood pressure–lowering medications, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and insulin.11 Long-term use: The long-term use of rhodiola supplements hasn't been sufficiently studied. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025

Once the womb is out, Grace will be able to stop taking immunosuppressants that prevent her body from rejecting the foreign organ. —Sam Gillette, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Examples of these medications are steroids, immunosuppressants, stimulants like phentermine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen).16 Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medications. —Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

immuno- + suppressant, after immunosuppression

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for immunosuppressant

• chemiluminescent
• immunofluorescent
• thermoluminescent
• acquiescent
• adolescent
• arborescent
• coalescent
• convalescent
• deliquescent
• effervescent
• evanescent
• incandescent

Medical Definition

immunosuppressant

1 of 2 noun

im·​mu·​no·​sup·​pres·​sant -sə-ˈpres-ᵊnt 

: an agent (such as a drug) that suppresses the immune response

The experiments focused on the use of cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant widely used in human kidney, heart-lung, bone marrow, pancreas and liver transplants.

—Science News

immunosuppressant

2 of 2 adjective

: immunosuppressive

immunosuppressant effects