What characterizes a solution in pharmaceutical terms?

A solution in pharmaceutical terms is characterized by one or more dissolved compounds. This means that in a solution, substances (solutes) are uniformly distributed within a solvent, creating a homogeneous mixture. The solutes can include active pharmaceutical ingredients, and the solvent is often water but can also be other liquids. The key aspect of a solution is that the dissolved compounds cannot be easily separated and are in a molecular or ionic form, making them bioavailable for absorption in the body.

In contrast, finely divided undissolved particles describe a suspension rather than a solution, where particles do not dissolve completely and can settle over time. A solid form of medication refers to tablets or capsules, which are not solutions, as they do not consist of dissolved substances. A thick, viscous liquid may refer to emulsions or gels rather than true solutions, as it often contains suspended particles or has a significant thickness due to components that do not dissolve entirely. Therefore, the definition of a solution as containing dissolved compounds is what makes this answer accurate.