Bekanamycin is primarily used as an antibiotic in both human and veterinary medicine. It is effective against a range of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacteria, with some activity against Gram-positive bacteria. In clinical settings, it is often administered to treat infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin. Additionally, it is utilized in the treatment of septicemia and other systemic infections, especially in cases of antibiotic resistance.

In veterinary medicine, Bekanamycin is employed to combat bacterial infections in livestock and pets, including mammals and birds, ensuring the health and productivity of animals. It is typically administered via injection for rapid and effective action.

Furthermore, Bekanamycin is utilized in research laboratories as a selective agent in microbiological studies. It helps in the isolation and identification of specific bacterial strains, aiding in the development of new antibiotics and understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms. In biotechnology, it serves as a selectable marker in genetic engineering, particularly in plant and microbial transformation experiments.

Its role in both therapeutic and research applications underscores its importance in the field of microbiology and medicine. Use should be under medical or veterinary supervision to avoid side effects and resistance development.