Abstract: An oral composition containing a bitter-tasting agent, such as for example, dextromethorphan, chlorhexidine, guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine, caffeine, peroxide, atorvastatin, aspirin, acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, sildenafil citrate, or loperamide, wherein the bitter taste ordinarily imparted by the bitter-tasting agent is abated or eliminated (i.e., masked) by an effective amount of a taste-receptor blocker, a taste-receptor competitor, a sweetener, and optionally, a flavor agent. Preferably, the taste-receptor blocker includes a hydrogenated ethoxylated glycerol ester, the taste-receptor competitor includes sodium citrate, and the sweetener includes sucralose and mono-ammonium glycyrrhizinate.