Which topical dosage form tends to have a thicker consistency than ointments and creams?

A paste is a topical dosage form that has a thicker consistency than ointments and creams because it contains a higher proportion of solid ingredients relative to the liquid components. This solid content provides pastes with their unique characteristics, making them ideal for certain applications where a robust barrier or protective layer is needed on the skin. Pastes are often used in situations where adhesion to the skin is necessary, such as in the treatment of skin irritations, rashes, and for wound care. The thickness also allows pastes to stay in place better than the more fluid ointments and creams, which can be absorbed more readily or spread easily.

In contrast, ointments are semi-solid preparations that usually have a greasy or thick consistency, but they are still generally less thick than pastes. Creams have a lighter, more fluid consistency, which allows for easier application and spreadability. Suspensions, while they might be thick, are not typically recognized as topical dosage forms with the same characteristics or applications as pastes, ointments, and creams. Therefore, pastes are specifically distinguished by their thicker consistency and greater solid content, making them the correct answer in this context.