An antimicrobial composition containing a cationic polymer having limited antimicrobial activity (such as a hydrophobically-modified quaternary ammonium cellulose ether) and an antimicrobial compound (such as 3-iodo-2-propynylbutylcarbamate). The growth of microorganisms (such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa) can be inhibited by exposing the microorganism to such a composition.