Primarily used in the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by susceptible strains of Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria. It is effective against respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, it is employed in veterinary medicine to treat similar infections in animals. Its mechanism involves inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby stopping their growth and proliferation. It is also utilized in some cases as a prophylactic agent to prevent infections in high-risk patients.