Widely used as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, this compound is effective against a variety of bacterial infections, particularly in cases where other antibiotics are ineffective. It is commonly applied in the treatment of typhoid fever, meningitis, and certain eye infections, often formulated in topical ointments or eye drops. Due to its ability to inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria, it is also used in laboratory settings for selection in cell culture and molecular biology experiments. However, because of potential side effects like bone marrow suppression, its systemic use is restricted in many countries, and it is often reserved for serious infections when safer alternatives are not suitable.