A drug formulation in the form of a dry powder is provided which when mixed with water forms a palatable oral suspension substantially free of bitter taste, the dry powder being formed of a drug, preferably des-quinolone, which in solution has a bitter taste, and a pH modifying agent which is preferably an alkaline material such as L-arginine, where upon mixing the dry-powder in water causes the drug to have reduced solubility or precipitate in-situ to form a palatable oral suspension essentially free of bitter taste.An oral suspension, methods for making same and a method for masking the bitter taste of drugs employing one or more pH modifying agents are also provided.