What type of liquid dosage form is typically sweetened and may contain alcohol?

An elixir is a type of liquid dosage form that is often sweetened and can contain alcohol. Elixirs are characterized by their clear solutions that combine both water and alcohol as solvents, enhancing the solubility of certain compounds, particularly those that are poorly soluble in water alone. The sweetness comes from added sugars or sweetening agents, making the medication more palatable, especially for those who may have difficulty swallowing pills.

Syrups are also sweetened, but they typically do not contain alcohol and have a thicker consistency due to the high concentration of sugar. Lozenges are solid dosage forms that dissolve slowly in the mouth and don't fit this description. Creams are topical preparations meant for external use and do not represent a liquid dosage form for ingestion. Thus, the characteristics of elixirs align perfectly with the question criteria, confirming it as the correct choice.