Sterile improved bandage containing a medicament

A flexible, liquid-abosrbent, adhesive bandage to be applied to a patient comprising:

• a flexible backing element selected from the group comprised of cotton, paper, synthetic fabric and plastic,
• a substrate attached to said backing element comprising a homogeneous, hydrophilic, stable matrix having adhesive properties for adhesion to the skin and being sufficiently pliant to conform to the shape of the body contours, said matrix including a solid phase comprising about 30% to 50% of the total weight of the matrix and including a synthetic resin selected from the group comprising polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide and their cogeners, and a liquid phase consisting of a solution or emulsion of carbohydrate and/or protein and comprising from about 50% to 70% by weight of the matrix, said matrix having been sterilized by irradiation and containing a medicament selected from the group including anti-anginal agent, antibacterial agent, antiseptic agent, antifungal agent, anti-histamine agent, anti-inflammatory agent, anti-pruretic agent, hormonal agent, keratolytic agent, skin protective agent, and a rubefacient agent.