Sulfathiazole is primarily used as an antibacterial agent, particularly in veterinary medicine and topical treatments. It works by inhibiting bacterial growth through interference with folic acid synthesis, which is essential for bacterial reproduction and survival. It has been commonly applied in the treatment of skin infections, burns, and eye infections when formulated in creams or ointments. In agriculture, sulfathiazole is used to treat bacterial infections in livestock, especially in cattle and poultry. Due to its ability to persist in the environment, its use has declined in human medicine over time, but it remains relevant in specific topical and animal health applications.