US Medical Term · medications
Liquid Medication
Medicamento líquido
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Liquid Medication |
| Spanish (Español) | Medicamento líquido |
| Chinese (中文) | 液態藥物 |
| Korean (한국어) | 액체 약물 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thuốc dạng lỏng |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Likidong gamot |
| Portuguese (Português) | Medicamento líquido |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ยาน้ำ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 液剤 |
What it means
A liquid medication is a drug in fluid form, such as a syrup, solution, suspension, or elixir, that is swallowed or administered through a feeding tube. Liquids are often prescribed for children, elderly patients, or anyone who has difficulty swallowing solid tablets or capsules. Some liquid medications, especially suspensions, must be shaken vigorously before each dose to distribute the drug evenly throughout the liquid. Measure doses precisely using the oral syringe or dosing cup provided by the pharmacy, never a regular kitchen spoon, since household spoon sizes vary and can lead to incorrect dosing. Store liquids as directed, as some require refrigeration to remain effective.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My child's doctor prescribed a liquid medication. How do I measure the dose correctly?
El médico de mi hijo recetó un medicamento líquido. ¿Cómo mido la dosis correctamente?
Does this liquid medication need to be refrigerated?
¿Este medicamento líquido necesita refrigeración?
The suspension says to shake well before each dose.
La suspensión dice que se debe agitar bien antes de cada dosis.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026