Metiamide is primarily used in research and development within the field of pharmacology, particularly in the study of histamine receptors. It serves as an important tool for understanding the role of histamine H2 receptors in gastric acid secretion. By acting as an H2 receptor antagonist, it helps researchers investigate the mechanisms of acid-related disorders, such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although it is not used clinically due to safety concerns, its structural and functional insights have contributed to the development of safer and more effective H2 receptor antagonists, such as cimetidine. This makes it a valuable compound in the history of anti-ulcer drug development.