Used primarily as an antimalarial agent, particularly effective against strains of Plasmodium falciparum resistant to other drugs, it effectively treats and prevents malaria by disrupting the parasite's ability to metabolize and replicate within the host. Additionally, it has been employed in the treatment of giardiasis, an intestinal infection caused by parasites. In some cases, it is utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties in autoimmune conditions like lupus erythematosus. It also serves as a fluorescent stain in biological research, aiding in the visualization of cellular components under a microscope. Use should be under medical supervision due to potential side effects such as nausea, headache, and temporary skin discoloration.