Which term describes a solid preparation intended to dissolve slowly in the mouth?

The term that describes a solid preparation intended to dissolve slowly in the mouth is "troche." Troches are formulated to be held in the mouth, where they slowly dissolve, releasing their active ingredients over time. This method of delivery allows for a localized effect in the oral cavity or a systemic effect depending on the medication's purpose.

Troches are often used for medications that can be beneficial when absorbed directly into the mucous membranes of the mouth or for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills. The design of a troche facilitates gradual dissolution, which can help maintain a therapeutic level of the medication in the system without the need for frequent dosing.

In contrast, capsules are typically designed to encapsulate liquid or powder medications, making them easy to swallow but not intended to dissolve slowly in the mouth. Gels are semi-solid preparations that do not dissolve in the same manner as troches and are not specifically intended for oral dissolution. Syrups are liquid preparations that typically contain a high concentration of sugar for flavoring but do not have the same solid form or slow dissolving characteristic as troches.