Used in medicine to treat bacterial infections, particularly tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Effective against a range of gram-negative bacteria, such as Yersinia pestis (plague) and Brucella spp., and some gram-positive bacteria. Often used in combination with other antibiotics to prevent resistance.

In agriculture, used as an antibiotic to control bacterial plant diseases, especially in vegetables and fruits, such as potato soft rot or citrus canker. Caution is advised as it may contribute to antibiotic resistance in humans.

Commonly applied in medical treatment, veterinary medicine, and laboratory research for selecting genetically modified cells or microorganisms, particularly in animal cell or bacterial cultures with streptomycin resistance genes.