Self-dissolving needle-like or filamentous shape percutaneously absorbable
preparations, by which inherently poorly absorbable drugs into the body
through the skin is efficiently administered. The preparations are made
of at least one material selected from the group consisting of proteins,
polysaccharides, polyvinyl alcohols, carboxyvinyl polymers and sodium
polyacrylic acids. An active substance contained therein is released in a
sustained-release fashion (1) by forming a water-insoluble layer on its
surface, (2) by holding the active substance in porous materials, or (3)
by imparting a long-acting characteristic to the active substance. The
present invention also provides a sheet-like carrier for holding the
preparations on at least one of the sides thereof, and a piece of
equipment for holding the preparations so as to facilitate the
administration of them.