the present invention provides a uniform dispersion in aqueous medium of droplets comprising : a core comprising water , a non - toxic c 2 - c 5 alkanol , a water - soluble drug , and a surfactant , and a coating surrounding the core comprising one or more pharmaceutically acceptable oils . the compositions of the present invention are particularly useful for the oral delivery of therapeutic agents because of their potential for taste masking , prolonged action , and protection of the drug against the external environment and enzyme entrapment .