Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

What is the primary role of the liver in drug metabolism?

1. To store drugs for later use

2. To facilitate drug elimination

3. To activate all medications

4. To increase drug absorption

The correct answer is: To facilitate drug elimination

The primary role of the liver in drug metabolism is to facilitate drug elimination. The liver performs a crucial function in the biotransformation of drugs, which involves the chemical modification of medications. This process is essential for transforming lipophilic compounds into more hydrophilic metabolites, which can then be more easily excreted by the kidneys and eliminated from the body. By carrying out metabolic processes, the liver ensures that drugs are broken down into forms that can be safely and effectively cleared from the system, thereby helping to prevent toxicity and optimizing therapeutic effects. Additionally, the liver plays a role in phase I and phase II reactions, involving oxidation, reduction, and conjugation, contributing further to the elimination of drugs and their metabolites. Other options do not accurately represent the liver's primary function: while it can store certain substances and contribute indirectly to both drug absorption and the activation of some medications, these are secondary roles compared to the central function of facilitating drug elimination through metabolism.