What are suspension medications?

Suspension medications are characterized by the presence of solid particles dispersed throughout a liquid medium. This unique property requires that the medication be shaken well before administration to ensure that the solid particles are evenly distributed and that the correct dosage is delivered. If a suspension is not shaken prior to use, a patient may not receive the intended amount of medication, potentially leading to ineffective treatment.

While some medications may take solid forms or can require refrigeration, those characteristics do not define a suspension. Similarly, suspensions can be administered through various routes, not just injections, making them distinct from other medication types that are only injectable. Therefore, the primary identifying feature of suspension medications is the need for agitation to mix solid particles uniformly into the liquid.