APA Dictionary of Psychology

the use of more than one type of antibiotic for treatment of an infection. Depending on the particular infection, this therapy may be utilized in patients with both a bacterial infection and another disease, in vulnerable populations in hospitals or nursing homes, and in cases where the strain of the infectious agent is unknown and there is a possibility of drug resistance. Dual antimicrobial therapy is not without drawbacks, however, including increased cost, potential interactions with other medications, and the risk of furthering drug resistance. Also called combination antibiotic therapy.