Swellable, coated sutures have a swellable polymeric coating and a fibrous component, wherein the coating is formed of an absorbable or non-absorbable polymer, while the fibrous component is formed of a synthetic absorbable or non-absorbable monofilament yarn, synthetic absorbable or non-absorbable braided multifilament yarn, braided silk multifilament yarn or combinations thereof. In certain instances, the coating is used as a carrier for the controlled delivery of different types of bioactive agents, including those having antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, tissue growth-promoting, and antineoplastic activities.
