What term describes liquid preparations containing undissolved solid particles dispersed in a liquid?

• A. Suspensions
• B. Emulsions
• C. Solutions
• D. Gels

Answer: (A)

A suspension is a liquid preparation in which solid particles are dispersed throughout the liquid but are not dissolved. The solids remain as distinct particles, so the mixture appears cloudy or milky and can settle over time due to gravity. To use a suspension properly, it’s typically shaken before administration to re-disperse the settled particles, ensuring a uniform dose.

This differs from emulsions, where droplets of one liquid are dispersed in another immiscible liquid; from solutions, where the solute is dissolved and the result is homogeneous; and from gels, which are semi-solid systems where liquid is immobilized within a network.