Novobiocin sodium is primarily used as an antibiotic in both human and veterinary medicine. It is effective against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus species, making it valuable in treating infections caused by these pathogens. In clinical settings, it is often employed to manage bacterial infections when other antibiotics are ineffective or contraindicated. Additionally, novobiocin sodium is utilized in laboratory research as a selective agent in microbiological studies to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. It is also used in molecular biology to study DNA gyrase, an enzyme involved in DNA replication, providing insights into bacterial resistance mechanisms and antibiotic development. In veterinary medicine, it is applied to treat mastitis in cattle, helping to control bacterial infections in dairy herds.