Which organ is responsible for the majority of drug metabolism?

The liver is the primary organ responsible for drug metabolism, a critical process that prepares drugs for excretion from the body. Hepatic metabolism often involves enzymatic reactions that transform lipophilic compounds into more water-soluble metabolites, facilitating their elimination through urine or bile. The liver contains a wide array of enzymes, particularly the cytochrome P450 family, which plays a significant role in the biotransformation of many pharmaceuticals. This process can lead to active metabolites, inactive metabolites, or even toxic products, making the liver central to influencing a drug's pharmacokinetics and therapeutic effects. Understanding the liver's role in drug metabolism is essential for predicting drug interactions, individual variations in drug response, and the overall efficacy and safety of medication therapy.