Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a nitrogen-containig drug-polymer salt and a method for making said composition. The drug-polymer salt is comprised of one or more drugs having basic groups as part of their chemical structure which are capable of forming salts with acids and one or more hydrophilic polymers containing carboxylate groups and amidine groups as pendant groups. Such polymeric salts of drugs have been found to have excellent bio-availability and advantageous release profiles in various forms (gels, ointments, pills, etc.). Particularly advantageous polymers contain pendant nitrile groups in addition to carboxyls and amidines which provide the polymer with hydrogel characteristics.