What is a common form of liquid medication that is often sweetened?

Syrups are a common form of liquid medication characterized by their sweetened nature. They are typically made by dissolving medication in a concentrated sugar solution, which not only improves the flavor but also helps to mask the taste of the active ingredients that might be unpleasant. This makes syrups particularly appealing for pediatric patients and for those who may have difficulty swallowing pills.

Syrups can be easily administered and absorbed, making them effective for delivering medications. Other forms of liquid medications, such as tinctures, may contain alcohol and do not have the same sweetening characteristic, while suspensions are usually not sweetened and consist of solid particles dispersed in a liquid. Tablets are solid dosage forms and do not fall under the category of liquid medications. Thus, the choice of syrup is justified due to its defining characteristic of being a sweetened liquid medication.