Which type of medication is typically mixed with gelatin and shaped for insertion into the body?

The correct answer is a suppository. Suppositories are a form of medication that are specifically designed to be inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra, where they dissolve and are absorbed into the bloodstream. The use of gelatin is common in the formulation of suppositories because it allows for the medication to hold its shape at room temperature while becoming soft and pliable upon introduction to body heat. This enables the active ingredients within the suppository to be effectively released and absorbed, providing a viable method of medication delivery, especially for patients who may have difficulty swallowing pills or require localized treatment.

In contrast, tablets are solid dosage forms that are typically swallowed whole and are not mixed with gelatin for insertion purposes. Pills refer broadly to small, round, solid medicinal forms taken orally; this term historically included various forms of medication, but does not apply to the design and purpose of suppositories. Syrups are liquid forms of medication usually taken by mouth and do not involve the gelatinous formulation that characterizes suppositories. Hence, suppositories stand out as the appropriate choice based on their unique composition and method of administration.