In which organ does drug metabolism primarily occur?

The liver is the primary organ responsible for drug metabolism due to its unique enzymatic activity that transforms drugs into metabolites, which can either be more active or inactive forms. Hepatic metabolism is essential for the detoxification and elimination of various substances, including medications. The liver contains a variety of enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play a crucial role in the biotransformation processes that modify the chemical structure of drugs, facilitating their excretion from the body.

While other organs such as the kidneys and lungs also participate in drug elimination and excretion, they do not carry out the same breadth of metabolic functions as the liver. The kidneys are primarily involved in filtration and excretion rather than significant drug metabolism. The heart does not play a role in metabolism, and the lungs are involved more in respiratory function than in the metabolism of pharmaceuticals. Understanding this metabolic pathway is fundamental for predicting drug interactions, side effects, and dosages, making the liver a central focus in pharmacology and medication administration.