Hydrocodone is primarily eliminated from the body through which organ?

Prepare for the Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) Test. Study with detailed resources, questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification!

Hydrocodone is primarily eliminated from the body through the kidneys, making this the correct choice. When hydrocodone is metabolized, its metabolites, along with unchanged drug, are excreted through the urine. This renal clearance is a crucial component of drug elimination as the kidneys filter waste products and excess substances from the bloodstream, allowing for their excretion.

The liver does play a significant role in metabolizing hydrocodone through the process of cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, particularly involving CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. However, while the liver is essential for breaking down the drug, it is not primarily responsible for its elimination from the body. Instead, this function predominantly involves the kidneys.

The heart does not play a role in the elimination of hydrocodone; its primary functions are related to circulation, including pumping blood and sustaining circulation throughout the body.

The lungs are involved in gas exchange and the excretion of volatile substances but are not a pathway for hydrocodone elimination. Drug elimination primarily occurs via the kidneys for substances like hydrocodone, highlighting their vital role in processing and excreting drugs and metabolites.

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