Question

The drugs which are inactive and converted to active form in the body are called:

• A. Active drug
• B. Biotransformed drug
• C. Prodrug
• D. Metabolite drug
• E.

Hint:

Prodrugs are inactive compounds that need to be metabolized into their active form in the body.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Definition of a Prodrug
A prodrug is an inactive substance that, when metabolized within the body, yields an active drug.
This mechanism enhances absorption, bioavailability, or facilitates targeted delivery.
Step 2: Evaluation of Options
- (1) Active drug: Incorrect. Active drugs are already in their functional form and do not need metabolism to become active.
- (2) Biotransformed drug: This term describes a drug that has undergone metabolic changes but is not necessarily inactive.
- (3) Prodrug: Correct. A prodrug is an inactive entity that requires metabolic activation in the body.
- (4) Metabolite drug: Incorrect. This refers to the byproducts of drug metabolism, not the precursor drug.
Step 3: Final Determination
Consequently, option (3) Prodrug is the accurate classification.