Used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial infections, particularly tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Effective against a range of gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Yersinia pestis, Brucella spp.) and some gram-positive bacteria. Often used in combination with other antibiotics to prevent resistance. Due to potential side effects on hearing and kidneys, it is typically reserved for cases where other treatments are ineffective.

Commonly applied in medical treatment, veterinary medicine, and laboratory research for selecting genetically modified cells.

In agriculture, used to prevent and treat bacterial diseases in crops, such as blights or leaf spots in vegetables and fruits (e.g., potatoes, tomatoes, citrus), with strict controls to minimize risks of resistance in human pathogens.