Which organ primarily metabolizes most drugs?

The liver is the primary organ responsible for drug metabolism in the body. This process involves the conversion of lipophilic chemical substances into more hydrophilic compounds, which makes it easier for the body to eliminate them. The liver contains specialized enzymes, particularly from the cytochrome P450 family, that facilitate these metabolic reactions. This enzymatic activity can transform drugs into inactive metabolites, reactive intermediates, or can activate prodrugs into their pharmacologically active forms.

Other organs listed have roles in drug handling, but they are not the main site of metabolism. The stomach plays a crucial part in drug absorption, the kidneys primarily help in the excretion of drugs and their metabolites, and the pancreas is mainly involved in digestion and hormone regulation rather than drug metabolism. Therefore, the liver’s central role in drug metabolism supports its designation as the primary organ for this function.