Which of the following describes the process by which an active drug is converted into an inactive metabolite?

The process by which an active drug is converted into an inactive metabolite is best described by the term "inactivation." Inactivation refers specifically to the biochemical transformation of a drug into a form that no longer has therapeutic effect, often occurring through enzymatic processes in the liver or other tissues. This is a crucial step in pharmacokinetics, as it helps to regulate drug levels in the body and prevent potential toxicity from prolonged exposure to an active substance.

Metabolism, while related, encompasses a broader concept that includes both the conversion of drugs into inactive forms and the sometimes active metabolites that may have therapeutic effects. Thus, while metabolism could describe the overall process involving both activation and inactivation, the specific focus on the transformation into an inactive state aligns directly with the concept of inactivation. Thus, inactivation is the most precise term regarding the conversion of an active drug into an inactive metabolite.