Used primarily in scientific research as a ganglionic blocker to study the autonomic nervous system. It blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in autonomic ganglia, helping to investigate neurotransmission and cardiovascular responses. Historically used in the treatment of hypertension due to its ability to reduce sympathetic tone, leading to lowered blood pressure. Its use in clinical practice has been discontinued due to non-selective action and side effects, but it remains a tool in pharmacological studies to understand neural control of organs and blood vessels.