Chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogel films were synthesized using tartaric acid as a crosslinking agent. The films denoted as CVT were then characterized using Fourier transform infrared, Nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. TG/DTG and DSC analysis were also carried out for the determination of thermal properties of hydrogel films. Swelling properties of these hydrogel films were investigated at two different pHs and temperatures. The swelling behaviors of all samples were increased in acidic medium, while decreased in alkaline medium. The enzymatic degradation of the hydrogels was studied using lysozyme, and degradation rates were found to be parallel with the swelling ratio for CVT hydrogel. The hydrogels were also used for the amoxicillin release in KCl/HCl and PBS buffer solutions. The release behaviors of CVT hydrogel films were slower and can be controlled as compared with commercial drug release systems. CVT hydrogel films may be more appropriate for controlled release of amoxicillin.