It is primarily used as an antiretroviral medication for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for the replication of the HIV virus. This helps to reduce the viral load in the body and slows the progression of the disease. It is often administered in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to enhance its effectiveness and prevent the development of drug resistance. Additionally, it has been explored in research for its potential use in treating other viral infections and certain types of cancer, though these applications are still under investigation.