title: Principles of concomitant antibiotic therapy.
abstract: There are five major disadvantages of the combined use of antibiotics: (i) antibiotic antagonism; (ii) a "false sense of security"; (iii) increased toxicity; (iv) suprainfection; and (v) increased cost. Four situations clearly require the use of antibiotic combinations: (i) to produce antibiotic synergism; (ii) to prevent the emergence of resistant organisms; (iii) to treat mixed infections, such as brain abscess, peritonitis, and pelvic infections; and (iv) to institute therapy for severe infections.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents