What is the primary characteristic of syrups in pharmacology?

Syrups in pharmacology are primarily characterized as concentrated mixtures of sugar in water that also contain active ingredients. This formulation serves multiple purposes: the high sugar content acts as a preservative, helping to prolong the shelf life of the medication, while also masking unpleasant tastes of active pharmaceutical ingredients, making them more palatable, especially for pediatric use.

The sugar not only provides sweetness but also contributes to the viscosity of the syrup, which can aid in dosage as it tends to flow more easily than a solid dosage form. Furthermore, the presence of active ingredients in a syrup means that it is a liquid formulation intended for oral administration, allowing for better absorption and a quicker onset of action compared to some solid formulations.

This contrasts with other forms of medication delivery mentioned in the other choices, such as injections or gel-like substances, which do not have the same properties as syrup formulations. Syrups are distinct because they combine the sweetness and preservative qualities of sugar with the therapeutic effects of the medications they deliver, making option B the primary characteristic.