Used as an antiviral agent, particularly in inhibiting the replication of RNA viruses. It acts as a nucleotide analog that gets incorporated into the growing viral RNA chain by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, causing premature termination of RNA synthesis. This mechanism is effective against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Ebola virus, and other coronaviruses. Its primary application is in the treatment of viral infections where rapid viral replication occurs, helping reduce disease progression and improve clinical outcomes in infected patients.