Oral composition containing particles comprising an active substance

A method of preparing a ready-to-use oral composition comprising a dispersion in an aqueous carrier of a multiplicity of solid particles having particle sizes of about 0.5-7 mm and shapes such that they normally feel gritty, the method comprising:

• (a) providing an aqueous carrier;
• and
• (b) prior to administration, dispersing in the aqueous carrier, a multiplicity of particles comprising:
• (1) at least one active substance selected from the group consisting of drugs, vitamins, nutrients and combinations thereof;
• and
• (2) a viscosity-increasing agent selected from the group consisting of
• (i) a first viscosity-increasing agent comprising a gelling or swelling agent;
• and
• (ii) a second viscosity-increasing agent which is distinct form the gelling or swelling agent and is selected from the group consisting of a substance having a redox potential such that, in the aqueous carrier, it is oxidized or reduced;
• a substance which forms a salt or chelate with a gelling or swelling agent dispersed in said aqueous medium;
• a surfactant which reduces the surface tension of the water in said aqueous medium;
• and combinations thereof;
• the resulting dispersion containing about 0.05-20 weight percent of a gelling or swelling agent or agents;
• said agent(s) providing an aqueous masking surface layer on the particles, the masking surface layer having a higher viscosity than the viscosity of the surrounding aqueous carrier, being in intimate contact with the surfaces of the solid particles and thereby reducing the grittiness of said particles, contributing to masking any unpleasant taste of the active substance, and/or reducing the tendency of the particles to settle, to adhere to a container from which the composition is administered, or to adhere to the oral mucosa.