Dry medicinal solid held in the mouth until it dissolves?

• A. Enteric-coated
• B. Gtt.
• C. Lozenge
• D. Suspension

Answer: (C)

A lozenge is a hard, dry medicated solid that is kept in the mouth and allowed to dissolve slowly, releasing the drug as it goes. This directly matches the description of a medicated solid designed to dissolve in the mouth for local or systemic effect. Enteric-coated forms are designed to resist stomach acid and dissolve in the intestine, not in the mouth. Gtt. refers to drops, a liquid dosage form. A suspension is also a liquid, with solid particles dispersed, not a solid meant to dissolve in the mouth. Therefore, the lozenge best fits the description.