Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

What is the name of a solution that has been sweetened for easier consumption?

1. Elixir

2. Syrup

3. Suspension

4. Solution

The correct answer is: Syrup

A syrup is a concentrated solution of sugar in water or another solvent, often flavored and sweetened to make it more palatable. This form is particularly useful when the taste of the active ingredient is unpleasant, as the sweetness can mask undesirable flavors, making it easier for patients, especially children, to take their medications. In pharmacy, syrups are commonly used for medications intended to be taken orally, as they not only enhance taste but can also improve the solubility of certain drugs. The sweetening of syrup can be achieved through various types of sugars, such as sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup, and it may also contain other ingredients for flavoring or preservative purposes. In contrast, elixirs are typically a combination of alcohol and water and are also sweetened, but their primary purpose isn’t just to sweeten for easier consumption. Suspensions involve solid particles dispersed in a liquid and require shaking before use, while solutions are homogenous mixtures where solutes are entirely dissolved in solvents and do not focus specifically on palatability. Therefore, syrup is precisely the terminology used when referring to a sweetened solution meant for easier consumption.