Abstract: A method is provided for making a water soluble powdered formulation including a water-insoluble or difficultly-water-soluble chromogenic agent therein. The method includes first melting a water-soluble or water-miscible, heat-stable, polymeric material, e.g., PEG. The water-insoluble or difficultly-water-soluble chromogenic agent is then dissolved in such molten polymeric material. The molten polymeric material and the dissolved chromogenic agent are heated together for a predetermined period of time to provide a molten homogenate. The molten homogenate is then cooled to its solidification temperature to provide a solid homogenate. Finally, the cooled solid homogenate is pulverized to powdered form.

Abstract: A wound dressing is provided herein for systemic administration of a physiologically- or biologically-active agent by controlled release of the agent into such wound. The wound dressing includes a substrate in the form of a fabric or cloth, at least a portion of which is cellulosic, which has been chemically modified to convert hydroxyl groups in the cellulosic portion to ionic-adsorbing sites. An ionic form of a physiologically- or biologically-active agent, namely an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, an analgesic agent, a tissue healant agent, a local anesthetic agent, an antibleeding agent, an enzyme or a vasoconstrictor is adsorbed in that substrate. Ionic bonds hold that agent temporarily to the substrate for controlled release therefrom in proportion to the amount of exudate in contact with the substrate. The ionic bonds are formed by adsorbing that agent on that substrate at room temperature.